newbie question on lights

[michaelparas]

Hi I am thinking of purchasing a 75 aquarium tank with a hood with built in lights (2 flourescent). I currently have 20 gallons and would like to upgrade. The length of the aquarium i am going to purchase is 5 feet.

My question is are there standard sizes for lights or does this aquarium i am buying? What if I need to upgrade or what if one is broken? Are there available outside? or am i doomed to buy from the manufacturer always?

Thanks

[Ninong]

Most 75-gal tanks are 4-ft long. Are you sure the one you are looking at is 5-ft long?

There are a large number of different lighting setups for 4-ft long tanks but very few for 5-ft long tanks. You can also make your own lighting arrangement using individual components and mounting them inside a canopy.

If you are upgrading from a 20-gal to a 75-gal tank, maybe you should try to find a standard size 75-gallon (48"x18"x20")?

P.S. -- The standard two-tube fluorescent fixture that comes with many tanks is not adequate for a reef tank anyway.

[michaelparas]

Thanks Ninong,

The aquarium I am planning on getting is a different size because it is also a divider. Our apartment has no division between the living room and the dining room and this aquarium is perfect for the task while also serving my hobby as well. The dimension of the aquarium is 5 foot in length and just 14" in width.

Actually now that you've mentioned it, the light maybe just 4 feet as i remember opening the canopy and saw that the lights are not reaching the end. I will check again

Attached are the pics of the Aquarium I am planning on geting

[PDAJunkie]

michael,
If you are going to use your new tank for a room divider, can I assume you wouldn't want anything hanging off the sides of it? I don't see any type of center overflow in it, so you will have to decide on how you will plumb it. May be a bit difficult. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

[michaelparas]

Hi PDAJunkie,

Actually, the other side of the aquarium is flat as this side will be close to the wall, and this side has the holes in it on the canopy for the external filter and aerator, although as for the protein skimmer, i have no choice but to hang it on corner .

This picture may give you a clearer view.

[Yankee I Am]

ashame it isnt drilled...very pretty tank though...I like it