helgymatt

I'm almost embarrased to say I got a light for this tank, but not really. I went to Lowes and got a Utilitech T8 shoplight. I think it looks pretty nice actually. I especially like it because it the fixture rests on the tank and it has a lip at the end that keeps it from falling in the tank. Good so I don't fry my fish Bulbs are aquaglo. I wish I could use this fixture to grow my plants...it was only $18.

orlando

Very nice! I would like to make a suggestion if I may.
This is something I do to all of my tanks and only cost about $9 and looks great.
Next time you go to HD or Lowes. Buy some 9-10' conduit steel tubing I thinks its 3/4" or so. Find the pipe bender in the same isle and bend the ends at a 90.
Then find the conduit mounts in that same isle $.89cents get like 6 of these and bolt them to the back of your stand and you have a sweet light hanging system to hang that light up over the tank.
You can even spray paint them to make them look nice. I have built countless of these light hangers in 20 minutes.
You can find cable hangers as well to hang siad light or use the small chain's the light came with.
All of this is cheap and safer for you your family and wet pets. If you need more info just PM me if I wasn't clear enough.
Sorry so long folks!

helgymatt

Thanks for the suggestion. I have thought of doing this, but the way this fixture fit over my tank I didn't think it was necessary. When I get a "real" fixture when I plant this tank down the road, I will either do the conduit thing or get some ceiling hangers.

And a side question...can I bend the pipes at Lowes without buying the bender? I hate having to buy things I only use once.

orlando

And a side question...can I bend the pipes at Lowes without buying the bender? I hate having to buy things I only use once

Yes, I do this all the time. They dont mind. In fact one of the workers there offered to help.
Your fish look very happy in there new home.

helgymatt

I'm keeping a very close eye on them for ammonia poisoning because I don't have this thing cycled yet. I've been doing big water changes every day whever I see them start to gasp at the surface. I ran out of my ammonia tests so I just rely on watching the fish. I find that works just as well as trying to read a crappy test kit.

I got a big pile of rocks in the middle of my floor that I'm going to throw in there sometime.

hoppycalif

"I got a big pile of rocks in the middle of my floor that I'm going to throw in there sometime."
People who have glass aquariums shouldn't throw rocks.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

helgymatt

Ah...its thick glass. I'm sure it would be fine

foofooree

any updates? I would love to see some I didnt know they had pipe benders, I'm gonna have to make one of those light hangers

Tex Gal

Wonder if you should be concerned about the light getting off kilter and going into your tank. With the hanger Orlando spoke of it would not be able to do this. It would certainly be a shock hazard to you, fish, kids, etc. if that were to happen. Doesn't look like you have glass covering the tank. Just a concern.

Good luck with this. The fish look beautiful. Can't wait to see how your rock tank turns out.

helgymatt

No updates yet because the tank is not planted. I think in 2 or 3 weeks it should be just planted. I'll start a new journal in the aquascape thread then.