Lighting Systems?

[Doohiky]

I added an external to my tank today. It is a small 12 gallon aquarium and I fitted a Fluval 105. However, as it is an old tank and had a very simple flimsy plastic hood, the intake and output pipes would not fit in conjunction with the hood. I have seen several tanks on here and also in my LFS that do not have a hood and simply have a lighting unit above the water either attached to the sides of the aquarium or dangling from wires placed in the roof.
I'd like to look into this some more but simply do not know where to start with research. My tank is 59cm long if this helps. If anybody knows anything about the different lighting systems available then please help me out Thanks!

 

[weejen]

i had the same prob my tank didnt have a hood so i got a Hagen Glo T5 HO lighting unit it is size adustable and fits on the side glass pannels

 

[Doohiky]

Is that the 'Lighting System' or the 'Starter Unit'. Because I've seen both for sale. How much did that cost you?
Thanks

 

[weejen]

its the whole unit i just had to get a bulb. i think its was bout £60 quid to fit my tank

 

[MewMew42]

aye a double t5 unit [comes without the bulbs] as seen here link you will need the 24w ones

not sure if you can get em sigularly like you can the other sizes though

teh plant growth will be very good given it will have 2 t5 bulbs, but if you sont really care for plant growing then you could just go for a clip on light from ebay!

 

[Doohiky]

Thanks for all your help Been very useful. I am going for plant growth so I will use both bulbs.
Do you guys use like perspex lids or glass lids under the light unit?

 

[weejen]

I just have a plastic condensation sheet. It's a couple of quid from most pets shop and can be cut to size and bits cut out for wires