"JunkCollector" wrote in message
news
Any 48" shop lights that I have ever seen or heard of, or if you measure
out the true dimensions, they will fit INSIDE a 48" space. The bulbs are
more like 47" or 47.5" which will fit in (I don't have exact dimensions
handy). Most 48" fish tanks are actually 48.5 inches long so a canapy
wall up either side of the tank will provide enough (plus a tiny bit of
extra) space for any shop light...

The depth of the shop light is more of a concern if you want to keep a
"SLIM" canopy. You can always put the ballast on the back though if you
want. I have always just taken the standard 48" shop lights, chopped one
of the metal fixture into an shorter 24" box and put it on the back of the
stand with 2 or more ballasts in one. Then you wire out (with waterproof
wire track) to the bulb ends (waterproof if you can find em). This gives
you much more space below the bulbs so they are not too close to the glass
and makes it easier to mount reflectors above the bulbs in the canopy as
well. Then a fan or two if you need em as well to keep it all cool don't
forget...

Enjoy...
Mike

Thanks,

I'll likely be going for a tall canopy this time around, so I can install
some fans. The previous tank got too warm from the lights.

I rolled my own last time (ballast in back) and went with A.H. Supply.
Worked well, but I'm hoping to be cheaper this time.



On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 19:32:59 GMT, Bill Stock wrote:

Silly question.

How long are the shop light fixtures? I know they're all slightly
different,
based on the brand. But, given that the bulbs are 48", the fixture must
be
at least 49"? I'll be using the HD lights most likely. (I know, go buy
one)

I want to build a canopy to match my stand, so I'm just wondering about
the
logidstics/design. How much slack am I likely to need? Tank is 48.25
BTW.






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