My unusual tank (pics)...any suggestions for lighting upgrades

[SMI]

Hi here are some pics of my 35g Tropiquarium 88 tank. The hood / canopy has the following: Automatic light timer, automatic feeder and power base (power-head, heater and hood wires feed to a PC-like board and a 120v 2-prong plug exits for less wire mess. I would like to keep the hood and canopy but upgrade the (2) 24" Fluorescent lamps. Any suggestions for a setup? Can a fire the new lights on the existing timer? Should I keep the current and add new lights? MH's? PC? etc. Thanks!! Steve.

http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/st/steveniacono/Aquahood.jpg

http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/st/steveniacono/Aquahoodclose.jpg

http://imagehost.vendio.com/preview/st/steveniacono/Aquahoodwire.jpg

Please disregard the watermark...I forgot to shut it off. Thanks!! Steve.

[david8956]

I hate to say it but I really don't see a realistic way to upgrade the lighting IF you are keeping the hood. It's just too close to the water & sealed. VHO's, and certainly halides, put out WAAAAAY too much heat to put in a closed hood like this.

[Larry Waughon]

I don't know what you could fit in that hood. I would think about get a new canopy than you could get some nice lights. Good Luck!

[tampa-reefer]

I agree with everybody so far......

[Attreui]

I agree also, but if you were determined, you could probably stick a couple PC's in there. A lot of PC hoods are designed to ride right on the water (with a plastic or glass lens cover of course), so I dont think heat would be a problem if you used 55 or 65 watt PC's. I just dont know if you want to go through all that when it will only be putting a band aid on the system.

[TheyCallMeFishy]

Well, since you want to keep the hood, I agree that PC's are really the only way to go. However, if you wanted to splurge you could get this sweet setup (http://reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/10002.html) with a 14k bulb, or maybe build a hood and get the same retrofit kit for nearly $200 cheaper.