bowfront and lighting

aqualab · 10/28/2006, 01:10 AM

A question for bowfront owners out there using hanging light fixtures: In order to completely/evenly spread/provide adequate light throughout your tank some of the light must be spilling over the outside front of the tank on both ends because of the bow in the center being wider than the two ends - did you size your light fixture to match the widest section of the tank, the bow or the narrower ends? In other words, if your fixture is 18" wide and your tank is 18" at the bow but 12" on each end - are there any ill effects/annoyances with the light shining outside the tanks footprint on the ends? Shining in your eyes if sitting in the room, reflection off the tanks front glass at both front ends, etc....? I hope this question makes sense, its late and Im tired.

Thanks,
Bill

jjk82901 · 10/28/2006, 06:28 AM

I have a 72 gal bow with a six light Tek5 light. It covers the top quite nicely and the lights themselves are about 11.5" wide to light the aquarium evenly. If you are looking for T5 lighting I highly recommend them. I would find a "light" (meaning the actual bulb width) that fits the narrower end of the tank because we pay big bucks for the lights and we should get the most out of them inside the aquarium.

10/28/2006, 01:10 AM	#1
aqualab Moved On Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Syracuse Area Posts: 587	bowfront and lighting A question for bowfront owners out there using hanging light fixtures: In order to completely/evenly spread/provide adequate light throughout your tank some of the light must be spilling over the outside front of the tank on both ends because of the bow in the center being wider than the two ends - did you size your light fixture to match the widest section of the tank, the bow or the narrower ends? In other words, if your fixture is 18" wide and your tank is 18" at the bow but 12" on each end - are there any ill effects/annoyances with the light shining outside the tanks footprint on the ends? Shining in your eyes if sitting in the room, reflection off the tanks front glass at both front ends, etc....? I hope this question makes sense, its late and Im tired. Thanks, Bill

10/28/2006, 06:28 AM	#2
jjk82901 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nazareth, PA Posts: 147	I have a 72 gal bow with a six light Tek5 light. It covers the top quite nicely and the lights themselves are about 11.5" wide to light the aquarium evenly. If you are looking for T5 lighting I highly recommend them. I would find a "light" (meaning the actual bulb width) that fits the narrower end of the tank because we pay big bucks for the lights and we should get the most out of them inside the aquarium.