Lights question

Originally Posted by Ray

I would like to add that you should get the fixture shipped to one of those "package services" along the border in the US, then you go pick it up. Probably cut that shipping cost by 50% or more.

I'd say that 90% of my Canadian customers do that.

The cpompany's website that I ordered from has ontario address in the contact us, so I assumed it was right here in canada. I was sort of surprised to see this shipping price and that I was charged in US dollars though.

Originally Posted by Ray

What kind of lid?

T5 bulbs burn hotter than other fluorescents, so if the are very close to a glass top, it may crack. plastic may melt. The better idea is to elevate the top of the enclosure to include the fixture.

Do you mean - put light fixture inside the tank, under the lid?

Originally Posted by Ray

I would like to add that you should get the fixture shipped to one of those "package services" along the border in the US, then you go pick it up. Probably cut that shipping cost by 50% or more.

I'd say that 90% of my Canadian customers do that.

Yes, I know people here order from US, ship to a UPS store in Ogdensburg - very short drive from us, and then just pick it up. Of course they still need to pay duties when going through border.
I am very tempted to order orchid plants from US vendors that don't ship to canada, ship to that location and then pick them up there. Would it work or they wouldn't let the plants in?

[Ray]

With your cutout in the lid, I think you'll be fine putting it on top. You'll have to have other Canadians about bringing plants in, but I have to tell you that I have shipped a lot of plants to the border for you all.

Thank you for the information Ray.

I have finished the inside layout of my tank, waiting for lights to arrive before putting all plants in, on this picture you can see how the cut out part looks:





Now I realized that I would need the timer for my lights to switch them on/off.
Do I need a speciality item or would general timer from home depot like this one do the job:

GE | Plug-In 24 Hour Digital Strip Timer | Home Depot Canada

Thanks a lot for all your help.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by orchideya

Now I realized that I would need the timer for my lights to switch them on/off.
Do I need a speciality item or would general timer from home depot like this one do the job:

GE | Plug-In 24 Hour Digital Strip Timer | Home Depot Canada

Thanks a lot for all your help.

Wow, that is a fancy timer! You don't need anything quite that snazzy. I use the three prong version of this: 24-Hour Plug-In Basic Timer-15119 at The Home Depot

Great! Thank you isurus79.
Our canadian home depot as always doesn't have the exact same item, but I found this:
GE | Plug-In Mechanical Timer White - 2 Pack | Home Depot Canada
Would that work too (hopefully)?

[isurus79]

Should work great! Just make sure it can take a three prong plug.

Thanks, I will check the plug.

Now for the last question. Iin the future I would like to put a small computer fan inside the tank. What is the best location for it - top or bottom of the tank?

[isurus79]

I only have one in my tank, but with the size of yours I would have multiple fans. Placement will have to be up to your tastes and design preferences, but I would try to have on on the top right of the tank and another on the bottom left so that you can create a good circular flow. Maybe someone else with more experience in such a large a enclosure can chime in.