Angel question

xrayjeeper83

Ive got a 55 gallon that doesnt have a hood. Im trying to do this cheap( i know its not really cheap just trying to save money) Im thinking of just getting lights but not a hood. Do angels tend to jump?

Byron

I think the more important thing might be the effect of the evaporating water on the light fixture (and the room). Most lights require a glass (or similar) pane between the water and the tubes/fixture. The tubes can crack if water should splash, and the fixture will rust. A lot of water evaporates from a heated aquarium, and without a cover this gets into the walls and ceiling.

I would suggest a glass top and a light fixture; this will be considerably less money than a fitted hood. The glass covers are designed for the size of tank, and the front panes slide back for feeding, etc. They sit down on rails inside the frame. I have these on my larger tanks.

There is also the issue of keeping stuff out of the aquarium; like dust and such.

Byron.

eileen

As far as I know they are not jumpers. Swordtails and loaches are jumpers, Some snails will also crawl out Mystery snails and an other type that I can't think of right now. Maybe someone else can post what fish are jumpers. A hood does help with evaporation and holds the heat in better in the winter time. You can find cheap complete 55 gal. tanks with everything on Craigslist. It might be cheaper to sell that 55 gal. tank on craigslist and get a completed set up because getting a light fixture can run you some $$$$. You can always buy a sheet of plexiglass at The Home Depot and cut that to fit with the openings for your filter and air lines to hold the heat in and help with evaporation. Check craigslist.

xrayjeeper83

Ive been checking craigslist and no one will part with the top. Mine already has sand water and is cycling.

Bryon where did you find the glass tops at?

scalar

my 55g has a plexi glass 1/4 inch hood cost 20$ to make,angles are not really jumpers but you will lose allot of water from not having a hood.

Mr Fishy

I build my own tops and use the Hagen Glo-Mat waterproof ballasts. The top is the cheapest part but the ballasts are a tad pricey.

I buy a couple of pre-finished MDF shelves and build a surround and top with a piano hinge. Paint the inside white and it's done.

Byron

They are available at fish stores. I have seen them online at places like Drs Foster&Smith, Big Al's, etc. They are standard, and quite inexpensive; search these sites under glass tops or something similar. While you could make one yourself, these manufacturered glass tops have four panes of glass that sit in the plastic rails, and the front panes slide back (they have little rubber "handles" that you stick on) which makes feeding a breeze. Otherwise, you are moving the entire top unless you are clever enough to build some sort of hinged or sliding arrangement.

I don't know the cost in the US, but they are not expensive esp when compared to the full hood. You obviously have to buy a light fixture that would tehn sit on the tank frame above the glass cover. Or you can make your own fixture, with ballasts, etc. The fixture is the expensive part.

xrayjeeper83

Well I bought the tops and got a light fixture, but it has no bulb and Im having a hell of a time finding on that will fit. But Im searching

Byron

The tube (I'm assuming this is a fluorescent fixture) will be a standard length. Measure the opening from end clip to end clip, this will be the tube length. As this was a 55g, if the fixture fits across the length of the tank, the tube will be 48 inches unless you have a shorter one. Once you have the measurement, go to a hardware store (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc) and get a daylight or daylight deluxe type tube in that length, one with a kelvin rating around 6500K.

Byron.

xrayjeeper83

The problem Im having is the plug end is a small 4 prong plug at one end only. Everything at homedepot/lowes even petsmart are 2 prongs at ethier end. Even looking online im having trouble finding something. I emailed the guy I bought it from to see if he remembers anything to help me.