View Full Version : good cheap lighting?
joander123
10-13-2007, 8:30 PM
looking for a good cheap light for my 46 gal bow front. Can be anything really, i want to aim for a little over 1 wpg so about 50-75 watts will do. I can deal with more, but more tends to cost more =).
Thoughts?
Mgamer20o0
10-13-2007, 8:34 PM
for plants right? i would go with shop lights. cheapest option.
Cory Keeper
10-13-2007, 9:32 PM
that or CFLs, CFLs I belive last longer, without having to be replaced once a year because of "cathode degradation". Not to mention, no ballast required.
joander123
10-13-2007, 9:58 PM
say mg, do shop lights have enough watts?
are they always standard fluorescents?
thanks
Mgamer20o0
10-13-2007, 10:08 PM
that or CFLs, CFLs I belive last longer, without having to be replaced once a year because of "cathode degradation". Not to mention, no ballast required.
you mean the screw in bulbs like in your post? they are good for smaller tanks but they are not that efficient dont work as good in bigger tanks.
say mg, do shop lights have enough watts?
are they always standard fluorescents?
thanks
shop lights they have t12 and t8 bulbs. i would go with a t8 set up. you are able to overdrive them too.
http://tristan.homelinux.net/fish/tank/retrofit/index.htm
joander123
10-13-2007, 10:16 PM
ok, MG where would be a good place to find a 36 inch shop light? I just ran a quick online search, but most of the shop lights seem to be 48". Do you use any specific brand?
Mgamer20o0
10-13-2007, 10:21 PM
check lowes or home depot. you might have to go with 2 24 inch ones.
ahsupply.com compact fluorescents would be better but more money.
Cory Keeper
10-13-2007, 10:48 PM
Doesnt have to be screw in, there are 4 pin CFL's such as like the Corallife bulbs.