DIY Canopy build

Decided to build a DIY canopy for new lighting tubes I bought. Could only fit two T8 tubes in the standard 3ft plastic canopy. Im going to fit three in my DIY canopy and maybe a fourth later down the line.

Pic 1: The raw wood of the canopy (hardboard)





Pic 2: Canopy painted white inside



Will post more pics as I progress.


Just one question to those who have done this before. I have used Gloss enamel paint. After leaving to dry thoroughly, will this paint have any effect on my fish due to the condensation?

 

Can anybody answer this question?

 

If it's Interior/Exterior Gloss Enamel, you shoudn't have anything to worry about.

 

Thanks Immy

 

Update - Canopy Complete

Just an update. Added 3 x 18w T8's. Job well done IMO.

Pic 1: Ballasts, Wiring & Tubes fitted.



Pic 2: Lights being tested.




All comments welcome

 

Pleasure, Tiger!

Looking forward to seeing the light... on the tank!


Just one thing, if you're keen to try it out: Aluminium foil for extra light reflection.
Simply slide a piece of foil behind the tubes while they're on and compare if the foil reflects more light.
I think the glossy side of the foil reflects better.


Ps: What length are the 18W tubes? I also have a 18W T8 ballast laying around somewhere.

 

@Immy You can see the tank here: Planted tank help please!!!

I tried Aluminium foil before, its tends to lose its colour from the condensation. Painting the canopy white inside works much better.

The tubes are 600mm, 18watts. The ballasts are rated at 20watts though.

 

Don't you get condensation problems with the end caps of the lights?

I know my lights didn't last too long with the heavy condensation in winter that would find it's way in there and then my lights would start to flicker and die.

I'm currently trying to think of how I can build a canopy with a cover glass.

Oh and should the ballast watt be more or less than that of the lights?

 

@Tiger barb
How do you get access to the tank? Do you have to take the lid off every time you want to feed the fish or do something else?

 

@Good_Times

I dont have problems as I have the waterproof end caps that comes with the ballasts.

My tubes are rated at 18watts and to my knowledge, the closest you get to 18watt T8 ballasts is the 20watt T8 ballasts that I have. I have had no problems with these and have had them for going on 3 years.

 

@TomK

I have cut a hole for feeding. The same shape as the standard black canopy had. Currently I have the DIY canopy off as the enamel that I used to paint it seems to be a bit old and is causing a kind of silt on the surface of the water. Im going to repaint it and put it back on soon. Otherwise it works like a charm.