How to add T8 shop light to tank?

[orador223]

I bought this from home depot Lithonia Lighting All Season Shop Light 4 ft. 2 Light T8 Strip Fluorescent-1242ZG RE at The Home Depot

and am using dual 32w 6500k T8's in it. This fixture is intended to replace the current t12 fixture that i have on my 65 gallon because the WPG is way too low. The problem with this is that it's too wide to fit in the spot that I currently have my hood light. I could take the entire hood off and put it on the plastic but I have two worries: 1- the water evaporating into the fixture, 2- the fixture melting through the plastic (I don't know how hot it gets.) I don't want to hang the fixture from the ceiling so that isn't an option. Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks!

[Maxspin]

T8 & T12 bulbs have the same pin placement. On my tank I replaced the ballast on the existing fixture with a ballast for T8 bulbs. If you were feeling adventurous you could even buy a 4 bulb ballast and overdrive it.

[TeamKRF]

Uarujoey via YouTube has how to vids on overdriving and mounting tips.

[ge2655]

Not meaning to be a wise guy but do yourself a favor and return the fixture you bought and get the diamond plate shoplight for the extra $10.00.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lithonia-...9#.UYPezkq55vY

It is a far superior light, I know because I have both the one you bought and the diamond plate. There is no comparison, the diamond plate has a great reflector.

If you are concerned about moisture, Home Depot also sells a plastic 4 foot lens cover diffuser that can be used to protect the bulbs. You can secure the diffuser to the fixture with a couple of small bungee cords and then sit the fixture on the aquarium.

You can see the rig here:

First Dirt Part Six - YouTube

First Dirt Part Six - YouTube

The diffuser is shown towards the end of the video at the 4:35 mark.

Regards,
-Gary