The condensation tray has
three uses: it prevents fish from jumping out of the aquarium, it
reduces water loss by decreasing evaporation and it acts as a barrier to
shield the electrical fittings of the lighting controller. Condensation
trays are typically made out of plastic, you may buy an aquarium that
comes complete with cover-glasses that are set into a track for easy
access. Condensation trays are made from clear materials to allow the
light maximum penetration into the aquarium. Algae will bloom on the
condensation tray as it needs light to grow every bit as much as your
plants do, so try to keep the tray clean at all times otherwise your
plants will suffer. When you fit your condensation tray you may find
that it needs slight trimming to size and you will need to cut across
the back corners so that the filter and heater wires can pass through.
Some condensation trays have pre-cut holes towards the front to allow
access for feeding, if your tray does not have these holes you will need
to cut a diagonal across one of the front corners. Before you make your
first cut place the tray over the aquarium and check that any holes you
plan to make aren't impeded by strengtheners.
The hood not only finishes
off the appearance of the aquarium but also houses the aquarium lighting
that is absolutely essential for the promotion of plant growth. Aquarium
lighting is achieved with a fluorescent lamp run by a light control
unit. Buy the lamp size which fits inside your aquarium hood. The tube
is normally 6" shorter than the tank i.e. a 3 ft. tank takes a
30" tube. You will need to select the correct lighting control unit
to match the wattage of your lamp. The type of fluorescent lamp you need
depends on whether you want to grow live plants or use plastic ones.
Live plants require light with the right intensity and spectrum of
light. If you aren't growing plants choose a lamp which has a spectrum
designed to enhance the fish colours and hopefully minimise algae
growth. It is a good idea to fit a timer to your light control unit so
that the lamp comes on and goes off automatically, thus mimicking the
natural daylight/nightime cycle. If your aquarium isn't planted try not
to have the lamp on for more than 8 hours at a time as this will help
reduce the growth of algae. If you do have a planted aquarium you may
find that your lamp needs to be on for longer for optimal plant growth,
but don't have it on for longer that 12 hours.
The condensation tray has
three uses: it prevents fish from jumping out of the aquarium, it
reduces water loss by decreasing evaporation and it acts as a barrier to
shield the electrical fittings of the lighting controller. Condensation
trays are typically made out of plastic, you may buy an aquarium that
comes complete with cover-glasses that are set into a track for easy
access. Condensation trays are made from clear materials to allow the
light maximum penetration into the aquarium. 
The hood not only finishes
off the appearance of the aquarium but also houses the aquarium lighting
that is absolutely essential for the promotion of plant growth. Aquarium
lighting is achieved with a fluorescent lamp run by a light control
unit. Buy the lamp size which fits inside your aquarium hood. The tube
is normally 6" shorter than the tank i.e. a 3 ft. tank takes a
30" tube. You will need to select the correct lighting control unit
to match the wattage of your lamp. The type of fluorescent lamp you need
depends on whether you want to grow live plants or use plastic ones.
Live plants require light with the right intensity and spectrum of
light. If you aren't growing plants choose a lamp which has a spectrum
designed to enhance the fish colours and hopefully minimise algae
growth. It is a good idea to fit a timer to your light control unit so
that the lamp comes on and goes off automatically, thus mimicking the
natural daylight/nightime cycle. If your aquarium isn't planted try not
to have the lamp on for more than 8 hours at a time as this will help
reduce the growth of algae. If you do have a planted aquarium you may
find that your lamp needs to be on for longer for optimal plant growth,
but don't have it on for longer that 12 hours.
