Questions about adding lights under a low hood.

[Temijun1]

I have a new planted tank with a very low hood on it. There are some cheap leds on the hood. I’m planning in increasing the lighting in the tank but I like the hood. Keeping stuff from jumping out, slowing evaporation, hiding equipment and a sleek look. Is there any way I could attach decent grow lights under the hood?

Or do you guys have a better solution?

 

[Islandvic]

Glass hood or black plastic hood ?

 

[Temijun1]

Black plastic

 

[Islandvic]

The brands Mingdak and Nicrew sell submersible LED lights in various lengths. They come with suction cups, but velcro may work better to secure under the hood.

Or dill out a pair of holes at each end of the light on the canopy and use black plastic zip ties to secure it.

Do you live near a PetSmart?

If so, they price match the Chewy website (which they own) and they had Marineland 21" "Hidden LED Light Strip" on sale for $21. In store they are outrageously priced. I bought one and it clips on to the inner rim.

 

[kallililly1973]

Maybe some rope lights run back n forth will give u a decent amount of light and still b able to hide it

 

[Temijun1]

The brands Mingdak and Nicrew sell submersible LED lights in various lengths. They come with suction cups, but velcro may work better to secure under the hood.

Or dill out a pair of holes at each end of the light on the canopy and use black plastic zip ties to secure it.

Do you live near a PetSmart?

If so, they price match the Chewy website (which they own) and they had Marineland 21" "Hidden LED Light Strip" on sale for $21. In store they are outrageously priced. I bought one and it clips on to the inner rim.

Ive seen the mingdak submersible lights. I figured that they would be less than optimal for growing plants. Is that true?
I have considered drilling holes but I am afraid of getting the lights wet.

 

[Temijun1]

Maybe some rope lights run back n forth will give u a decent amount of light and still b able to hide it

I have never heard of rope lights that will grow plants. I will look into this.

 

[Temijun1]

Is there any simple way to keep fish from jumping out in a hood less tank?

 

[FinalFins]

Really, most fish will jump if they want and are given the opportunity

 

[Temijun1]

Yes, especially betta fish it seems. Not a risk I want to run.

 

[Temijun1]

How well will the submersible lights be at growing plants?

 

[kallililly1973]

Is there any simple way to keep fish from jumping out in a hood less tank?

Keep the water pristine and have some surface plants and there will be no reason for them to leave your tank

 

[Islandvic]

What size tank is it again ?

 

[Temijun1]

20 gallon. I'm putting a betta sorority in it so chances are there will be fish jumping regardless of how good my water quality is.