Cheapest way to light a 40g

G

gregm

AC Members
May 14, 2007
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Albuquerque, NM
48" lengthwise. Currently I have 1 fluorescent strip over it, but it's only equating to about .5wpg.

I'm looking for at least 2.5-3wpg.

Anyone have any ideas how to go about this on a budget without going the DIY route (hate messing with electrical stuff)?

So far I've seen this
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...82x65wattpowercompactsinglestripw2lunarlights
Current USA Satellite 48" 2 x 65 Watt Power Compact-Single Strip W/2 Lunar Lights

Would this equate to 3.25wpg if my math is correct? I'm not sure how the 2x65 works (if it is 65 watts total or 65 watts times two=130)
 
2x65w is two 65 watt bulbs...130w total. The 65w compact fluorescents are generally rated at 55-65w for the 24", so on a 4' tank you need two end to end.
 
Cheapest way:

2 4' shop lights from Home Depot $20
10 pack 6500K Philips High CRI bulbs from Home Depot $28

1x10 pine boards to build canopy if you don't have $15-$20
Wood screws, white paint for inside, stain or paint for outside $15-$20

4 x 40 watt bulbs = 160watts for approx. 4 wpg

You don't have to mess with any electrical to do this.
 
Not bad at all Nolapete. I'll check that out next time I go there.
 
lol what happened with cheap lol.

I once had a 55 gallon tank with 160 watts of shop lights over it. And it sure did look bright. But I had problems with a lot of my plants. I switched to a single 2x55 watt kit from AH Supply and actually got more usable light into the tank. Sure the shop lights gave better coverage in the tank and into the surrounding room but the AH Supply kit basically blows the light straight down into the tank where it belongs.
Click to expand...

http://www.rexgrigg.com/light.htm
 
Yah I know. I think we need to come up with a reflector that works with shop lights. I don't think it is the bulbs that make that happen, but the design of the fixture.
 
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