jgf86123 Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 Ok, here's my deal, I picked up a nice 4' Current USA Nova Extreme fixture today, the 6x54w, and it's a foot to long, I knew this when I got it, so no biggie there LOL. My question is this, would it be possible to use the 39w bulbs with the ballasts that are in said 4' fixture? If so, would it be possible to take it apart an turn it into a DIY canopy deal? It's gonna go over my 30 breeder frag tank, so I know I'm gonna have to hang it high up, but that's again, no big deal LOL. Any ideas or advice or possible trades? LOL LMK Mick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 Yes, on both counts. You also may be able to simply shorten the fixture instead of taking everything out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 The Nova doesn't have a lot of extra room on the ends for shortening. Why not just hang it over the tank and have no hood? If you fit all 4' of the bulbs into it then the hood is going to be bigger than the tank and look kinda funky right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 He wants to run the 39w bulbs which are a foot shorter. Most of the time the fixtures are just extruded aluminum and are identical for different lengths other than the length. Assuming this is the case here then all that would need to be done is to take an end apart, cut the fixture down to the shorter length, and then remount everything to fit the shorter bulbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grassi Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 You can just cut it with a saw or use the extra light to grow some bonsai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted November 25, 2010 Share Posted November 25, 2010 He wants to run the 39w bulbs which are a foot shorter. Most of the time the fixtures are just extruded aluminum and are identical for different lengths other than the length. Assuming this is the case here then all that would need to be done is to take an end apart' date=' cut the fixture down to the shorter length, and then remount everything to fit the shorter bulbs.[/quote'] oops didn't catch the part about using 39w bulbs. I say cut the thing down if you dont mind the risk of butchering it and it maybe not working. I would just hang it and let there be light! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackaninny Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 Cut a section out of the middle and rivet the two halves back together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 Or, since we are going to do a 4' tank once we get a house of our own, should I just leave it the way it is an deal with it hanging 6" over either end of the tank? lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 Already got the dimensions figured out, can't decide between glass an acrylic, if glass, I've got all but one piece needed to make the tank but acrylic is a helluva lot lighter LOL. It's gonna be 48x24x18H, or roughly 93g. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 what piece do ya need for ya to make it glass? Ya I would keep the light for the 4 foot tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I have a few 4' pieces of glass from an old tank. Not sure on the dimensions. Yes, If your going to need a 48" light later I would leave it the way it is and just let it hang over the sides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 I really like the T5HO lighting, so many possibilities, so many ways to make your tank's colors pop, plus, less power usage LOL. I think I'll just keep it for now, it'll make setting up the new tank that much cheaper, right? LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 I need a 4'x18" piece of glass, but, if my future father in law does what he wants to do, I'm gonna need 2 of them that size or one that size an one 4'x24" LOL since he's wanting to use one of the pieces to make a desk, I told him to go ahead, it's gonna be a while before we do that build anyway LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 every once and a while there is a guy in salem that posts glass for sale and usualy he sells 1/2 sheets that are 48x24, 48x20 there are more sizes but I forget. he wants like $25 I think for the 48x24. I remember pricing it once to be like $125 to make a 120 gallon tank, 24x24x48. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 yes it would make it cheeper for the 4 foot tank setup if ya keep the light, also if your skimmer isn't rated for the upgrade, I would look into upgrading it now and using it on your existing tank if you come across a good deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 That's a helluva price, an I've been looking into selling my skimmer an purchasing one I'm fairly certain I can pry away from a guy I know lol It's rated much higher than mine, even though mine is rated for 135g lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 if you want glass or to just fix this check it out. http://sale-ax7qy-2078819449@craigslist.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 link doesnt work brutha lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I fixed it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 Still not working LOL Just link the web page :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 here's the add portland craigslist > washington co > for sale / wanted > free stuff please flag with care: [?] miscategorized prohibited spam/overpost best of craigslist Avoid scams and fraud by dealing locally! Beware any deal involving Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfer, cashier check, money order, shipping, escrow, or any promise of transaction protection/certification/guarantee. More info glass aquarium 150 gal (tualatin) Date: 2010-11-25, 12:55AM PST Reply to: sale-ax7qy-2078819449@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?] have this aquarium that has been sitting in my garage forever needs to go. has a grack in the back so it is no longer able to be filled all the way i used it for my boa which i no longer have if its not gone soon i will take it to the dump. you must pick up. i can help load. its about 5'11" long 2-3 ft deep and 2-3 ft tall. Location: tualatin it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests PostingID: 2078819449 Copyright © 2010 craigslist, inc. terms of use privacy policy feedback forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 [language filter], that's tempting as hell......hmmmmm I'mma have to talk to Jess about this one lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reef165 Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 ya, free is a very good price! could ether cut it apart and use the glass or cut the bad side out and replace it, ether way you have your upgrade tank. Just need your new house to put it in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf86123 Posted November 26, 2010 Author Share Posted November 26, 2010 Free is always good, it's just a matter of talking the gf into driving to tualatin LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted November 26, 2010 Share Posted November 26, 2010 I'll measure the pieces I have. Might have one or two that are 18". I know I don't have a 24" one though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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