Implementing a Lighting Choice

[kerrnel]

If there's something that explains this, please point me in the right direction...

My question is, using my 10g nano tank as an example, if I have a 20" x 10" tank, and I'm looking to upgrade my lighting, how to I implement the options that are out there?

The current hood I have is the generic one with 2x25W incandescent outlets. I'm currently using a wider-spectrum fluorescent bulb that uses the same socket type. I want to upgrade this to PC's.

In looking at some of the options on the market, there are "retro" kits (not sure what that means), and there are enclosed "hoods" that are 20" x 5+" and/or 20" x 7". Somehow I don't think those will sit properly on my tank, given there is an extra 3" of room. I'd prefer something that closes the top of the tank since the tank is about 4" off the ground. Sitting on the couch, with any raised lighting option I'll be looking directly at the light while I watch TV.

Not sure how those fixtures work.

Mike.

[Geoff]

this is always an issue. this is why you find that most people will actually build their own canopies when light spray is a concern. to make matters worse the more light you add the more heat you add, so the less you want to enclose the hood/canopy. you want to get that heat out of there so that you will not need a chiller.

most people will buy retrofit kits to install in a canopy that they have made. very seldom do those kits actually fit anything already in existence.

G~