Trying to Light My 54 Corner Tank. Anyone Have Photos?

joeychitwood · 10/04/2005, 08:27 AM

I posted a similar thread in the Lighting forum, but since this forum receives more traffic, I'll ask the same question here.

I'm setting up a 54 gallon AGA corner bowfront tank. I am having a very difficult time choosing a light fixture. I'd like to avoid a pendant if I can, although if it was a clean installation without cords hanging all over, I'd do it.

I'm hoping to see some corner tank photos of how you've lighted them. I've looked at the Hamilton 24" Halide/PC fixture . I think it would fit nicely. Can this fixture be set on top of the glass cover, or will it get too hot?

I'm also looking at a 4 X 75 watt VHO fixture which measures 24" X 11.5" X 6.5" and should sit nicely on the cover glass. Is anyone still using VHO lights?

Long Time Beginner · 10/04/2005, 09:28 AM

I have the exact same tank as you (54g corner) and had a similar problem; the tank is in a room with a vaulted ceiling so a pendant was basically out of the question.

I went with this fixture. I attached it directly to one side of the tank. I don't have a top on the tank though; I'm not sure this will work for you if you want a glass top.

Also, since the height and "reach" of this fixture are adjustable, there is room to put two of them on a 54g corner tank if you want to, one on each side. I only have one right now though, the fixture reaches to about the middle of the tank so everything is well lit.

I don't have a digital camera right now but if I can borrow one, I'll get a picture for you.

Edit: One more thing; this fixture has a fairly large ballast, about a foot tall and 3-4 inches in width and depth. I was able to hide it inside my tank stand with a little work but it's something you should be aware of if you're aiming for a "clean" wiring setup.

Saltcity · 10/04/2005, 09:29 AM

From what I've read, glass covers are not good on a saltwater tank...........

Do you have a canopy built?
Theat Hamilton looks like a pretty good set-up!

Ghumbee · 10/04/2005, 09:56 AM

I started with 2x65w PC setup and it worked fine for softies. (See pics in gallery) Sat on top of the glass cover.

I built a canopy a cpl weeks ago and mounted a 175w MH with 20k bulb. Added (1) 4" Ice Cap variable fan.

I will next be changing to a 10k bulb and mount the (2) PC for Actinic Support.

Measure very carefully for the 4 x VHO it may not fit or be all towards the front.
* Assembled dimensions with endcaps and bulbs: 24 3/4"L x 10"W x 2 3/4"H

I will be adding pics and hopefully a how to of my DIY canopy in the next few days or so.

Chuck

joeychitwood · 10/04/2005, 10:33 AM

Thanks for the responses so far.

Long Time Beginner, I have seen that fixture before and was wondering if they were small enough to allow two for 300 watts.

Reeforbust, I don't have a canopy, and I have no carpentry skills or tools, but that would probably be the best solution. I'll have to look into it.

Ghumbee, I had a Coralife 2 X 65 watt PC fixture over the tank briefly, but it just wasn't bright enough given the depth of the tank. I'd like to keep a clam or two. I'd like to see photos of your canopy when it is finished.

freeqgOd · 10/04/2005, 11:20 AM

I have a 36 corner and I built a canopy and pet a cross beam over the top and have a 250w MH and a NO Actinic I think it is a 24in. I will try to take a snap shot of it later tonight. Cords run down the back and not very visible.

Long Time Beginner · 10/04/2005, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by joeychitwood
Long Time Beginner, I have seen that fixture before and was wondering if they were small enough to allow two for 300 watts.

You should definately be able to fit two of them.

Ghumbee · 10/22/2005, 08:06 AM

DIY 54 Canopy

aquaman67 · 10/22/2005, 08:52 AM

Here's a pic (fuzzy) of my tank using the tank mount light mentioned above. I like it a lot. I would not have used MH without this light.

Sparkss · 10/22/2005, 09:57 AM

Here is the canopy that I built for our 92 gal AGA coner tank. It has 2 AB 250 W DE MH and 2 65 W PC Actinics and 1 icecap fan.

I desinged it so that the stock canopy from Oceanic would fit and "complete" the canopy, since I could find no one to form the front bow in plexiglass.

The canopy uses black acrylic with 1" aluminum square stock framing.

Sparkss · 10/22/2005, 10:04 AM

All of the fitting are stainless steel, every screw, washer, etc.. except the ribber bushings for the fan..

The eyebolt was installed so that we could open the glass top and "hook" it open for feeding, working, etc, inside of the tank. There is an additional 'S' hook drilled into the plastic tab (normally used for opening the cover) on the front cover.

I have some build pictures taken throughout the build process, but can't find them at the moment.

joeychitwood · 10/22/2005, 10:16 AM

Beautiful tanks. I received the corner tank from a friend for free. I've always had rectangular traditional tanks, but I'm really enjoying the corner. I find aquascaping the 54 to be much more fun.

Very nice light fixtures, guys. That "hang-on" mounted halide would be the perfect solution to my actinic problem if it came in a PC or T5 setup. Do any of you know of a HOT light for actinics?

Gluestick · 09/28/2006, 04:10 PM

I am in the same predicament. Looking for PC or T5 for a 54 corner for seahorses. I noticed this is an older thread, did you ever find what you were after?

10/04/2005, 08:27 AM	#1
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	Trying to Light My 54 Corner Tank. Anyone Have Photos? I posted a similar thread in the Lighting forum, but since this forum receives more traffic, I'll ask the same question here. I'm setting up a 54 gallon AGA corner bowfront tank. I am having a very difficult time choosing a light fixture. I'd like to avoid a pendant if I can, although if it was a clean installation without cords hanging all over, I'd do it. I'm hoping to see some corner tank photos of how you've lighted them. I've looked at the Hamilton 24" Halide/PC fixture . I think it would fit nicely. Can this fixture be set on top of the glass cover, or will it get too hot? I'm also looking at a 4 X 75 watt VHO fixture which measures 24" X 11.5" X 6.5" and should sit nicely on the cover glass. Is anyone still using VHO lights?

10/04/2005, 09:28 AM	#2
Long Time Beginner Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Near Syracuse Posts: 242	I have the exact same tank as you (54g corner) and had a similar problem; the tank is in a room with a vaulted ceiling so a pendant was basically out of the question. I went with this fixture. I attached it directly to one side of the tank. I don't have a top on the tank though; I'm not sure this will work for you if you want a glass top. Also, since the height and "reach" of this fixture are adjustable, there is room to put two of them on a 54g corner tank if you want to, one on each side. I only have one right now though, the fixture reaches to about the middle of the tank so everything is well lit. I don't have a digital camera right now but if I can borrow one, I'll get a picture for you. Edit: One more thing; this fixture has a fairly large ballast, about a foot tall and 3-4 inches in width and depth. I was able to hide it inside my tank stand with a little work but it's something you should be aware of if you're aiming for a "clean" wiring setup. __________________ Setup: 54g corner, 120W LED Corals: Various soft, LPS, SPS Inverts: Coral Banded Shrimp, hermits Fish: Pajama Cardinal (3), Ocellaris Clownfish (1 orange, 1 black)

10/22/2005, 09:57 AM	#10
Sparkss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Oakley (94561) Posts: 5,030	92 gal AGA coner canopy Here is the canopy that I built for our 92 gal AGA coner tank. It has 2 AB 250 W DE MH and 2 65 W PC Actinics and 1 icecap fan. I desinged it so that the stock canopy from Oceanic would fit and "complete" the canopy, since I could find no one to form the front bow in plexiglass. The canopy uses black acrylic with 1" aluminum square stock framing. __________________ - Tom Current Tank Info: 380 starfire inwall ,two 150g sump/fuge. Volcano Ca RX, ato, 6' Volcano skimmer. LAIIIs w/400w AquaConnect 14K on IC EBallasts

10/22/2005, 10:04 AM	#11
Sparkss Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Oakley (94561) Posts: 5,030	All of the fitting are stainless steel, every screw, washer, etc.. except the ribber bushings for the fan.. The eyebolt was installed so that we could open the glass top and "hook" it open for feeding, working, etc, inside of the tank. There is an additional 'S' hook drilled into the plastic tab (normally used for opening the cover) on the front cover. I have some build pictures taken throughout the build process, but can't find them at the moment. __________________ - Tom Current Tank Info: 380 starfire inwall ,two 150g sump/fuge. Volcano Ca RX, ato, 6' Volcano skimmer. LAIIIs w/400w AquaConnect 14K on IC EBallasts

09/28/2006, 04:10 PM	#13
Gluestick Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 1,710	I am in the same predicament. Looking for PC or T5 for a 54 corner for seahorses. I noticed this is an older thread, did you ever find what you were after? __________________ Valerie R. Burns Founder/Vice President Joliet Area Reef Club Current Tank Info: 90 gal SPS dominated, ASM-G2 skimmer, 2x250w 20k SE Radium bulbs under Lumenarc Mini Reflectors

10/04/2005, 09:29 AM	#3
Saltcity Moved On Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,297	From what I've read, glass covers are not good on a saltwater tank........... Do you have a canopy built? Theat Hamilton looks like a pretty good set-up!

10/04/2005, 09:56 AM	#4
Ghumbee Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 302	I started with 2x65w PC setup and it worked fine for softies. (See pics in gallery) Sat on top of the glass cover. I built a canopy a cpl weeks ago and mounted a 175w MH with 20k bulb. Added (1) 4" Ice Cap variable fan. I will next be changing to a 10k bulb and mount the (2) PC for Actinic Support. Measure very carefully for the 4 x VHO it may not fit or be all towards the front. * Assembled dimensions with endcaps and bulbs: 24 3/4"L x 10"W x 2 3/4"H I will be adding pics and hopefully a how to of my DIY canopy in the next few days or so. Chuck

10/04/2005, 10:33 AM	#5
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	Thanks for the responses so far. Long Time Beginner, I have seen that fixture before and was wondering if they were small enough to allow two for 300 watts. Reeforbust, I don't have a canopy, and I have no carpentry skills or tools, but that would probably be the best solution. I'll have to look into it. Ghumbee, I had a Coralife 2 X 65 watt PC fixture over the tank briefly, but it just wasn't bright enough given the depth of the tank. I'd like to keep a clam or two. I'd like to see photos of your canopy when it is finished.

10/04/2005, 11:20 AM	#6
freeqgOd Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 83	I have a 36 corner and I built a canopy and pet a cross beam over the top and have a 250w MH and a NO Actinic I think it is a 24in. I will try to take a snap shot of it later tonight. Cords run down the back and not very visible.

10/22/2005, 08:06 AM	#8
Ghumbee Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 302	DIY 54 Canopy

10/22/2005, 08:52 AM	#9
aquaman67 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 7,629	Here's a pic (fuzzy) of my tank using the tank mount light mentioned above. I like it a lot. I would not have used MH without this light.

10/22/2005, 10:16 AM	#12
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	Beautiful tanks. I received the corner tank from a friend for free. I've always had rectangular traditional tanks, but I'm really enjoying the corner. I find aquascaping the 54 to be much more fun. Very nice light fixtures, guys. That "hang-on" mounted halide would be the perfect solution to my actinic problem if it came in a PC or T5 setup. Do any of you know of a HOT light for actinics?