aquarium light setup

[JackEmerson]

Hi,

I am very new to tank setups. In the past, I have only worked off of pre-set "kits". I have a TopFin 55 gallon kit. It has a divided hood, where each section measures approximately 23 inches in length. The lights that came with the tank are starting to dim, so I am trying to figure out a replacement for the lighting.

TopFin is owned by PetSmart. I went to PetSmart, they still sell the 55 gallon kit, but they said they do not sell replacement parts for the lights. The lights look fairly unique and I have not been able to find them online or at a LFS.

My question: the plastic hoods on my setup are fine, can I just by LED lights and attach them to the bottom of the plastic hood? And, if so, what is the recommended way to attach to plastic hoods? Is there a glue or tape that is recomended? Can anyone recommend a specific light that I could attach to the bottom of a plastic hood that would work well in a divided 55 gallon?

Note, I am a complete moron when it comes to anything related to DIY. Thanks!

 

[deeda]

Do you just want to replace the existing dimming bulbs, if so, either post a pic of the bulbs with the light off or see if there is a number or description written on the bulb itself.

You may be able to use a LED light fixture if it will fit in the hood though you will probably have to remove the existing bulb and parts.

 

[JackEmerson]

either post a pic of the bulbs with the light off or see if there is a number or description written on the bulb itself.

I would like to just replace the bulb. Or get a glass hinged top that I can put any light on top of. Or find a way to attach another light to the hood (either with tape or glue or something).

Here is a photo of the bottom of the hood (TopFin 55 gallon kit), the hood measures 23 inches across (it is a divided tank top with two identical hood each measuring 23 inches). The bulb has the following info:

DC12V
9.6W
2625



And here is a closeup of the connection mechanism for the light.

 

[deeda]

Thanks for posting the pics, sorry you can't get replacements.

You may be able to get a water proof/resistant LED light fixture that will fit under the hood but just take some measurements of the inside height of the hood so you can be sure the new light will fit properly.

While I have never needed to make this type of switch on fixtures, you may be able to use a waterproof velcro type attachment to mount the new fixture. Of course you will also need to figure out how to route the cord on the new fixture either by removing the existing cord and threading the new one through or notching the hood so the cord wire will exit the rear of the fixture.

You may want to wait to see what other members have used to fix a similar issue.

 

[jjohnwm]

You mentioned wanting to get a glass lid to place a new light on. Does that mean that your current hood has those LED strips exposed to the surface of the water, without any glass panel between LED's and the water? If there is a glass panel, is it perhaps encrusted with calcium deposits that are cutting down on the light output? A simple cleaning of the glass might be sufficient to get you where you want to be.

If the hood has no glass top...if that light fixture is itself waterproof...and if you really are as "DIY-challenged" as you state ...then I would caution against puttering something together "either with tape or glue or something". Electricity is dangerous, and it gets more so around water.

I personally would suggest either buying a new hood, or one of the numerous LED aquarium lights available that clip onto the top edge of the tank along with a glass cover to protect the light from water. An electrical fixture inches above a water surface, exposed to splashes and condensation and bubble spray, is nowhere to start your DIY education.

 

[JackEmerson]

I fully stand behind my statement that I am DIY challenged.

Does that mean that your current hood has those LED strips exposed to the surface of the water, without any glass panel between LED's and the water?

Yes, the LED lights are exposed above the water. This is how the kit came. A glass hinged hood, with a generic light above sounds the way to go. The problem is, there are lots of glass hinged hoods 24 inches, but that will be too big for the 23 inch inset groove for the hood to fit squarely in. Any idea where I can get one that size, or a custom one. Something like this:

 

[jjohnwm]

Any glass shop can cut pieces for you to the exact dimensions you need. Aquarium stores once sold those flexible rubbery strips to connect the pieces and act as a hinge, as shown in that pic you posted. Sorry, I have no idea if that stuff is still available, but I suspect it is.

You can also use it along the back edge of the glass to attach a strip of plexiglass or acrylic or whatever, which can be notched and cut to allow the entry of heater cords, power filter hoses, etc.

 

[Iwhoopedbatman]

Several brands like nicrew, hygger and aquaneat sell cheap, submersible light strips. You can take the old ones out and glue the new strips in (I would use silicone so it's easier to remove in a few years when they need replacing). They have several sizes. Check Amazon.