Adding a second light to my hood

[RoninBoxers]

Thanks to all the info on this site I've successfully changed my flouro bulb to something more suitable. Was pleased how painless (and cheap!) this was.

Now my question is that I want to add a second light. My tank has a big hood right over the top so I can just easily screw in another one. Problem is I don't know where to buy one, everywhere seems to have complete light hoods for sale.

I have an arcadia fluro lighting controller which is quite satisfactory and would like something similar. (If you haven't seen one of these its a ballast thingi, and wires onto to end caps.) Simple and easy to put in.

I've read a lot of stuff on DIY'ing these but I have no interest in attempting to wire it, so some cheap ready made thing would be perfect.

BTW it would need to be suitable for a 59cm bulb and around 18 watts.

Thanks!!!

Helene

[Caryl]

Know anyone with an account at an electrical wholesalers?

[RoninBoxers]

Nope :-( But I could always start looking. Not to aska stupid question, but what do I tell them I'm trying to buy? (I imagine "aquarium light" may draw a blank!)

[DiverJohn]

Hi Ronin,

Sounds like the easiest thing to do is go to an electrical wholesaler like Rexell and get a pre wired 2 foot twin luminaire (light fitting). I think the trade call them a "flat pack" its got everything you need in the box. These are a fairly standard fitting should be easy to come by.

You also need to get a reflector also available @ the wholesaler and designed for the fitting so it just bolt together.

All you need to do is wire in a cable from the plug, to the fitting. Probably the cheapest way to go with a bare minimum of wiring.

DONT FORGET AN RCD!!

[RoninBoxers]

Well, I went to rexell. I talked to the guys there to see what they had. i really only want add one since what I already have is fine. The hood is also setup with a reflector already.

The big light fitting thing they brought out was a little over the top size wise, it was nearly 90mm deep! Not quite the fit I'd like in the tank hood. Also I'm not prepared to even attempt wiring, 240 v is just tooooo risky for me! (Also was about $80 all up for a 59cm with no bulb!)

I'm still hoping for a very efficient solution with just the end caps in the hood and a little box outside. I may end up ordering an Arcadia controller since that seems ok.

Also, you'll be pleased to know I picked up an RCD, what an excellent suggestion. (I knew I wanted something... just not sure what.)

Thanks!

[kim]

i have a new 4ft arcadia fluro lighting controller on sale in my shop its around $30

[DiverJohn]

HI Ronin,

Yeah forgot that you had a 2 footer - the "commercial version" it is a but ugly eh? Anyway it sounds like one of those arcadia units might suit you fine, I have got some for my tank too (4x 3foot sets) as back up. They are a nice setup. You might like to consider spending a weee bit more and get one of the double fittings units so you can run 2 tubes off 1 unit. Keep the one you've got for spare or if you decide you want more light for plants (like I did) or you could maybe set it up on a timer with a "moon tube"