Glass canopy for new light fixture...

Hello all. I'm not sure where to post this question, but since it somewhat has to do with lighting, I'll try here.

I just bought a T5HO fixture and need to replace my old cover that goes with the current T8. After looking at all the glass canopys available, my question is, how do you accomodate the HOB filter and heater when the canopy covers or appears to cover, the entire top? Is there a better option than the glass canopy? I'm slightly confused here...any suggestions are appreciated!

 

The glass canopies I've gotten actually only cover like 3/4 of the tank, and then they come with a vinyl slide-on strip that you can cut spaces in for your filter, heater, etc.

 

hI cate

instead of a glass canopy you could try perspex that way you could cut out any notches or holes you need to accommodate your equipment, might even be cheaper too

 

The glass canopies I've gotten actually only cover like 3/4 of the tank, and then they come with a vinyl slide-on strip that you can cut spaces in for your filter, heater, etc.

Makes sense. The vinyl strip isn't evident in the pictures I've seen. Thanks!

 

hI cate

instead of a glass canopy you could try perspex that way you could cut out any notches or holes you need to accommodate your equipment, might even be cheaper too

HI baggy! I'm not familiar with perspex, but will look into it. Thanks!

 

you probably call it plexiglas over there

 

Have to be careful that your lights don't melt them if you use plexiglass.

 

I have a 40breeder and almost nothing fits for what I have...both my filters and all equipment are on one end of the tank so I can look through both of the wider sides unobstructed.... So I've been getting quotes on a sheet of glass that I'm going to eventully buy for the top =\

40b's and their lack of hooding...

 

Have to be careful that your lights don't melt them if you use plexiglass.

Agreed...the heat issue worries me.

 

I have a 40breeder and almost nothing fits for what I have...both my filters and all equipment are on one end of the tank so I can look through both of the wider sides unobstructed.... So I've been getting quotes on a sheet of glass that I'm going to eventully buy for the top =\

40b's and their lack of hooding...

Frustrating, isn't it? It took me over a week to pick out a new light. Someone needs to come up with at "you have this - you need this..." thread that gives exactly what is needed per tank size, instead of having a zillion items to choose from.

 

True glass works fine. I have a dual bulb T5HO fixture sitting directly on mine with no ill effects. Depending on the fixture there might be some variation in heat, but not enough to warp real glass, I wouldn't think...

 

Hey zac look up sliding glass tops there is a thread in the diy section they may work for your 40gal.

 

Ok, I just ordered a glass canopy from Amazon. It will let a lot more light in than the stock canopy I have now, so I'm looking forward to seeing the difference in plant growth. Thanks everyone!

 

Care to link what you ordered? I have a 29 and getting a new fixture and need a new top as well.

 

Care to link what you ordered? I have a 29 and getting a new fixture and need a new top as well.

Sure thing. Here is the light:



Here is the canopy:



I have a love-hate relationship with Amazon. I love the site overall, but hate when they change prices every half hour. The light fixture is already $4 cheaper than when I bought it yesterday, and the shipping for the canopy went up $2 since I bought mine about 2 hours ago. Very irritating. But, moving on, I'll post a picture when all is set up.

 

Awesome! Thank you.