Does my fixture really need stands???

[Momotaro]

I picked up a 36 Watt single bulb JBJ Eco-light for my 15G. When I called the LFS to order legs for it, I was told "they don't make legs for that fixture". I checked with another shop and was told that I got an older model fixture, and that legs were indeed unavailable. I can get a glass top for the aquarium and place the fixture on top without a problem. The bulb is only 17" long in a 23" fixture. There is about 4 1/2" for the ballast. But, by placing the fixture on the glass top will I create some lighting "hot spots"? Will I get better dispersion if the lights are on stands? Should I get another brand with legs? Am I over thinking this and need to relax?

All advice welcome!!

Mike

[jart]

hi mike. i'm not sure if i understand how you are trying to mount that fixture. but i'll take a stab at it. have you considered making a simple wooden frame that rests on the 4 edges of your aquarium? perhaps you could then attach the fixture to the frame. this would enable you to mount the fixture at any height you wanted.

hope i'm not missing the boat here... if not let me know if this idea could help.

regards.

[GulfCoastAquarian]

I used to place LOA shop lights right on a glass canopy when I kept a reef. I'm sure it heated up the glass but I never saw a crack or anything. What eventually prompted me to make wooden racks was salt creep.
I just cut a 1" x 1/2" strip of wood to the length of the tank from front to back and ground out half moons with a dremel, to keep the bulbs in place. An alternative would be to craft some acrylic rings to slide over the bulbs so when you lifted the hood, the ring standoffs would go with it.

[IUnknown]

I really like the JBJ stands because it lets you prune with your lights still on the tank with the hing. I bought some jalli lights and just plan to drill holes were I need to and screw the stands on.

[hubbahubbahehe]

are jalli lights good?