I've wanted to upgrade the lighting in my Rena tank for a while but not found anything on the market which will fit under the lid. The tank comes with 2 bars with 2x30W T8 tubes on each. These are OK but don't really provide enough light at the lowest levels in the tank which is 60cm deep.
After trying unsuccessfully to fit a number of off-the-shelf T5 lights, I've ended up making new bars myself. I bought 3 lengths of 1" square aluminium box section which I've cut to fit on the ledges inside the lid and bolted stainless steel clips to them. I've fitted 2x39W T5's on each bar with the starters in the cupboard under the tank.I've staggered the tubes so that they illuminate the ends.
I'm really pleased with how well these have turned out and with the improvement in light, especially at the bottom of the tank. The aluminium tube is very cheap and easy to work with. I'd recommend this to anyone keen to upgrade the Rena tank who wants to keep the original hood and lids.
Happy to supply details on how I did this and info on where to buy the aluminium sections.
After trying unsuccessfully to fit a number of off-the-shelf T5 lights, I've ended up making new bars myself. I bought 3 lengths of 1" square aluminium box section which I've cut to fit on the ledges inside the lid and bolted stainless steel clips to them. I've fitted 2x39W T5's on each bar with the starters in the cupboard under the tank.I've staggered the tubes so that they illuminate the ends.
I'm really pleased with how well these have turned out and with the improvement in light, especially at the bottom of the tank. The aluminium tube is very cheap and easy to work with. I'd recommend this to anyone keen to upgrade the Rena tank who wants to keep the original hood and lids.
Happy to supply details on how I did this and info on where to buy the aluminium sections.
