37 Gallon Tank Lighting Suggestions

travis442 · 06/16/2008, 12:26 PM

Hi guys,

So I have a 37 Gallon tank and it measures 30" x ~12"

I am trying to upgrade my lighting but didn't really want to have to build a hood, don't have a place to do it right now. So I have been trying to find a lighting fixture that will fit it but so far the most I can find is 130 watts total. I was really wanting more than that so I have more options of what I can keep.

Can you guys think of any fixtures that come in that size? I think I found 1 other one that was like 280 watts but the measurements were 30" x 15" do you think that would fit on my tank?

I appreciate all of your guys help.

Thanks

travis442 · 06/16/2008, 02:43 PM

Bump. Surely somebody out there has the same size tank as me and has gotten better lighting.

joshkennedy07 · 06/16/2008, 03:50 PM

Remove the top and you have plenty on options

Or modify youe existing hood by removing the top cover and suspending the lights from above. I was able to hide the entire fixture in the canopy this way and the absence of the top allows me to vent the heat from the halides with a few muffin fans. Check out the AquaMedic HQI fixtures. they are compact and the aluminum casing keeps them fairly cool. If you were to fit a 150 watt or 250 watt HQI fixture on your tank you could keep SPS and clam with no lighting issues.

150 watts of halide lighting would be better than 280 watts of PC. Looks much better too.

rickh · 06/16/2008, 07:56 PM

That tank has a center brace--don't remove it. A single halide will give poor results.
If you are handy you can build a canopy with staggered 24" T5s to give good coverage.
I modified a 30" Current 130 watt PC light and added a third bulb for 196 watts. The photo is in my gallery. PC isn't the greatest, but you are working with a 12" wide tank. Most of the "nice" lights are too wide and you end up lighting the room as well as the tank. R

06/16/2008, 12:26 PM	#1
travis442 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Irving, Tx Posts: 106	37 Gallon Tank Lighting Suggestions Hi guys, So I have a 37 Gallon tank and it measures 30" x ~12" I am trying to upgrade my lighting but didn't really want to have to build a hood, don't have a place to do it right now. So I have been trying to find a lighting fixture that will fit it but so far the most I can find is 130 watts total. I was really wanting more than that so I have more options of what I can keep. Can you guys think of any fixtures that come in that size? I think I found 1 other one that was like 280 watts but the measurements were 30" x 15" do you think that would fit on my tank? I appreciate all of your guys help. Thanks

06/16/2008, 02:43 PM	#2
travis442 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Irving, Tx Posts: 106	Bump. Surely somebody out there has the same size tank as me and has gotten better lighting.

06/16/2008, 03:50 PM	#3
joshkennedy07 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 248	Remove the top and you have plenty on options Or modify youe existing hood by removing the top cover and suspending the lights from above. I was able to hide the entire fixture in the canopy this way and the absence of the top allows me to vent the heat from the halides with a few muffin fans. Check out the AquaMedic HQI fixtures. they are compact and the aluminum casing keeps them fairly cool. If you were to fit a 150 watt or 250 watt HQI fixture on your tank you could keep SPS and clam with no lighting issues. 150 watts of halide lighting would be better than 280 watts of PC. Looks much better too.

06/16/2008, 07:56 PM	#4
rickh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lost_in_Michigan Posts: 1,306	That tank has a center brace--don't remove it. A single halide will give poor results. If you are handy you can build a canopy with staggered 24" T5s to give good coverage. I modified a 30" Current 130 watt PC light and added a third bulb for 196 watts. The photo is in my gallery. PC isn't the greatest, but you are working with a 12" wide tank. Most of the "nice" lights are too wide and you end up lighting the room as well as the tank. R