Ryan S June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 If you look at my tank in the above photo, you can see I get some decent sunlight from the sliding glass door and the window to the right. There is a very weak light over the table to the right as well. However, even with those light sources (and especially at night time), when I remove the canopy from my tank to work in the tank (such as when I want to glue frags to the rock) it's basically pitch black inside the tank and I can't see what I am doing. (My radions are attached to the inside of my canopy). I wish I could attach something to the ceiling like a hitch for the canopy, then I could mechanically pull the top up and leave the radions on and see what I was doing inside the tank. However, I can't attach anything to the ceiling, including a light. So my question is: what can I do to light up the tank from above, so I can see what I am going when I am working inside of it? I was thinking I could get some sort of light fixture, like this, that bends over and put it on a chair due to the height of my tank, and that might be enough to light up the tank w/ a 100w bulb inside (however, I wonder if this would be bright enough or is there a risk of it falling into the tank by accident). Anyone else have an idea that would be easy/simple and get the job done? (I'd use this light very rarely). Thanks.
roni June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 I would get another radion to light the the space over your tank so you can see it better In all seriousness, I use these for under the tank (not the exact brand but should work): http://www.amazon.com/SKQUE-White-Clip-On-Light-Barnes/dp/B00406Q2IE
Muddy357 June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 I use one of these http://www.amazon.com/CL26SL-D65-Aquarium-Cliplight-including-Moonlight/dp/B004MSM6QW/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1340121894&sr=1-3&keywords=sump I have an extra 1 if you want it for $15
Ryan S June 19, 2012 Author June 19, 2012 Those might light up the stand underneath (I have a round push on/off battery-powered LED light underneath), but I don't think they'd light up a 36x36x27 tank, would they? What about a clamp on MH (though that might be more $$$ than it's worth for this use).
Der ABT June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 i would say mount some T5s to the side of your canopy...didnt you want some extra t5s anyways, that way they are lighting things up even when the canopy top is up....or do the sides lift at the same time?? other thing you could do is to have the radions mounted by wire string so that you can lower them as neede to point down when working in the tank...jst would want to make sure there is no way it could fall in the water.
Ryan S June 19, 2012 Author June 19, 2012 I remove the entire canopy to work inside the tank (IE it's placed on the floor). So attaching T5s to the canopy or hanging the radions wouldn't work. I would need a stand-alone light or a clip on light. I am thinking some sort of shop light or spot light of some sort is what I need...
trockafella June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 Just use a cheapo clip on lamp. I might have one laying around somewhere, I will try and check tonight.
Ryan S June 19, 2012 Author June 19, 2012 Just use a cheapo clip on lamp. I might have one laying around somewhere, I will try and check tonight. Yes, that might work. I have one like this for the fuge: Would one of these with a 100w bulb, clamped on the side and angled down at the water, light up the tank enough to work? Should I go to home depot and buy 2 or 3 of them? (they are cheap).
tightline June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 I use one of these http://www.amazon.co...3&keywords=sump I have an extra 1 if you want it for $15 if he dosent want i would like it
icecool2 June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 I'd go for an inexpensive shop light. They're like $9 and you can clip it to the side. You might also want to consider hinging the top of the canopy so you don't have to remove the whole thing. That sounds like quite a job each time you want to get in there.
Ryan S June 19, 2012 Author June 19, 2012 What about a Miner's light? hahaha. that would probably work! but i would look like such a tool! lmao. i cant believe nobody here uses a bunch of clamp on lights to work in their tank. i can't be the only one that has to remove their entire canopy to gain access to the whole DT? (the downside of a DD tank!) i like the idea of hinging the canopy. Evan and I have talked about that, and I may do something like that down the road. Then I could swing up the entire top, not just the front part; and I wouldn't have to remove the entire canopy. Luckily I don't need full access very often.
trockafella June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 Sounds like poor planning on your part Ryan... Yep, sure does.! I guess he thought the radions were directional. For $800 they shouldve been, what a flawed design that was... Maybe in the next upgrade.
Ryan S June 19, 2012 Author June 19, 2012 It's not poor planning! It's the crappy canopy that Marineland made for their DD tanks!
BowieReefer84 June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 It's not poor planning! It's the crappy canopy that Marineland made for their DD tanks! Yea, I was joking. Maybe you can put a pulley system on it so it lifts up? Not sure if there are studs above the tank... idea: http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HLLARRLH&eq=&Tp=
Ryan S June 19, 2012 Author June 19, 2012 I went to Fish World in Richmond last weekend. He has a 1200 gallon reef with an electric pulley system that lifts the canopy right off. If I could do that I would, but I can't in an apartment. Evan and I talked about cutting the top of the canopy down the sides and putting a hinge at the back and maybe an eye bolt on wall behind the tank and a hook on the top of the canopy, then I could lift the top off and hook it to the wall while I work inside. Just something I haven't pursued yet.
trockafella June 19, 2012 June 19, 2012 It's not poor planning! It's the crappy canopy that Marineland made for their DD tanks! Blame the maker not the user right...? they make underwater lights you can add to you tank..
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