Installing flourescent inside wooden canopy.. help?

[PintoHawk]

After alot of researching, I think we have come up with a good design for my 20gallon canopy. I tried calling around for a price quote to order one, but the costs were unbelievable for the canopy alone, so we decided to try and make our own instead.

It will end up being a short box placed on top the tank, with a hinged hatch along the front. Simple design, nothing to brag about, but effective.

Only problem we face is finding a good kit to install the flourescent light up inside. The guys at Home Hardware said their kits wouldn't be tank-safe because of condensation. What do you guys know about this?

Will we need a tank-safe kit? Tank-safe bulbs and wiring and everything?

From what I can see, looking at my other (store-bought) canopy, the light is encased in a box and protected by a plastic window, so the water can't collect in the light casing at all.

So.... do we buy & install ANY flourescent kit we want, and just make sure it is protected from the water, using a box-type design and sealing it with silicone so water doesn't seep up inside?

Suggestions? Tutorials you have found online? Anything at all will be helpful at this point, we are worried about electrocuting the fish... LOL

Thanks!

[thegrandpoohbah]

Will there be a glass top preventing water from getting into the light? If so then any lights will work. If not then you will need something with water resistant endcaps.

[PintoHawk]

Thank you, PoohBah. You are absolutely right. :)

We found the perfect equipment at Home Hardware this morning. It's an aquarium-safe lighting kit (flourescent) with the end caps you are talking about, easy installation type deal, and work perfectly with our canopy design. He is outside working on it right now. I am so excited. :)

[thegrandpoohbah]

Make sure to post some pics when you are finished!

[PintoHawk]

Ok, PROBLEM:

We cut the wood to the right size, cut out all holes and such for filter, etc. Sanded it all down, spray-painted it black, then I tried to cover with Aquarium-safe silicone, BUT it just peels right off, far too easily. Is it because we spray-painted and now it won't stick? (It is also VERY difficult to work with around all those edges and cut-outs and such, it's very thick and goopy).

I am frustrated.

We were thinking maybe to use (safe) marine paint instead and coat it on nice and thick to protect the fish and the lid long-term. Yes? No?

Needs to be aquarium safe, so am I just looking for a good quality marine paint now?
Anyone with experience in this? Opinions/suggestions?

I'd like to still go ahead with the design and work we have completed so far, just need a better paint/coating system.

Thanks,
-Anna

EDIT: add...

Called all 3 stores in my town, and several stores in the city close by... and nobody has a clue. Was told that any marine paint would probably kill fish, was told that any marine paint will be safe for fish. I am being told every possible story, and I am not sure what to do. What should I be looking for?

[thegrandpoohbah]

Well, you're not putting this thing in the tank right? So marine paint should be fine to use. If you're really worried you could always use an epoxy to seal it.

[PintoHawk]

That looks like our best option. Of course the lid doesn't go IN the water, so I guess we should be ok. Still, you'd think the silicone would've worked beter... *sigh*

[Melody]

The best laid plans of fish and their keepers! I'm sure you'll figure something out. :smile:

[RatMan]

the silicone will not adhere to paint. might have to sand it off. any lead free paint should be ok as long as it is not in the water.

[tiff]

for light fixtures try here
ahsupply.com or some of the other sites that I think Melody made a list of under online shopping
I've been doing research to try and do the same.
"Oh hunny, I've got a job for you." bwhahahaha