DIY lighting

[devlyyn]

So I'm really toying with the idea of jumping into keeping a planted tank. I want to start slowly, but I know one of the first and most important things I need to consider is lighting. Trying to do this on a budget, I went to Lowes today to see what they have in terms of fluorescent lighting. I could buy a pair of 2 x 40 watt t12 48" light strips for about $19/ea. This seems like a steal assuming I could find a way to incorporate it into my already DIY tank cover. They have a 10 pack of 6700K 48" bulbs for about $25 as well.

All told, it looks like I could get 160 watts of lighting for my 75 gallon tank for about $70 including 10 6700K t12 bulbs. These light fixtures have those typical acrylic light diffusers like you might see in your kitchen or garage, but I don't think those would pose a problem.

Anyone have experience going this route? It seems like a fairly economical way to get enough lighting to keep some low-moderate light plants. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[j_chicago]

They have the same type at walmart for about 12 dollars or so...
I use them for my 55g, low tech, and will be using them for my 90g with CO2 once it get the stand and canopy built.

Many people use them, just they can be bit of an eyesore with out a canopy, and the reflector is crap. The metal can be painted to match your decor, or tank. And you can use mylor to increase the reflection from the deflector. Someone else will probably be able to give you more info...

$25 for the bulbs is a good deal, wallyworld has them 2 for $7, but i'm not sure if they are both T12.

[simplyorange]

try to read the label as some can use t8's 32w. its just an added benefit.
i usually just mix and match with sunlight, coolwhite, plant/aquarium bulbs.

[Mgamer20o0]

t8 bulbs use less energy and more efficient plus your able to over drive them for a added boost of light.

cf or t5 are better you will use less watts and take up less room but are more money. i used a t8 set up on my tank for years. i was running them on my 120 gal tank and had good growth.

[mellowvision]

the screw ins work great too, if you feel like hanging shades over the tank. I use 2 over my 15 gallon and I love it.

[Mgamer20o0]

i wouldnt use screw in anything over 20-30 gal max.

[devlyyn]

they have t8 fixtures as well. Whats the difference between t8 and t12? I'm still a total noob to these things. I'll have to check out walmart as well, I didnt think they'd have anything like this. And yeah, I would probably want to build a hood to hide this. My tank is 48" long but I seriously doubt the fixture will either fit over or just inside the frame. That would be ideal though.

[livingword26]

The t-8 bulbs will put out more light per watt than t-12's .

[devlyyn]

And t5 more than t8?

[livingword26]

And t5 more than t8?

Yes

[Reddog80p]

They have cheap 48" inch flourocent fixtures at Home depot for $6.99 (bulbs not included) plus they have an Electronic Ballast (for ODin') :) They are in a plain white box black lettering they say "CE" Shoplight on the side.

http://tristan.homelinux.net/fish/tank/retrofit/index.htm

[loaches r cool]

Yeah HD has about the best deal around on twin tube electronic ballasted 48" T8 fixtures. And they sell 6500K Philips Daylight Deluxe T8's in twin packs for $7. If you want to start out cheap, its a good way to do it.

The only big difference between T8 and T12 us the diameter of the bulb. Generally speaking the smaller the diameter the more efficient it will be... less gas the bulb has to heat up. T8's are as small as you can normally go in a standard fixture except for some T6's that fit the standard fixture like the Quantum Lightning Rods, but those youll have to buy online more than likely and cost a heck of a lot more than the Philips 6500K.

[Reddog80p]

see...

[devlyyn]

Thanks! This has been awesome. Now if I can just convince my wife that I need to "run to the store" tomorrow. ;)

BTW, I have 1 amazon sword and 1 hornwort with my 40watts in my 75 gal. I hope they'll make it in the mean time!

[devlyyn]

also, thanks reddog...awesome article!

[loaches r cool]

Devlyyn, assuming your refering to the article I wrote, I just wish I had heard of the good HD deal before writing up that article since so many use the HD lights. But the principle is the same, your just more limited with the 2 bulb ballast.

I probably wont ODNO any more since I already have 4 2X bulbs on one tank and 2 2X bulbs on another. On my new tanks I am using T5 since the reflectors are so much more efficient (or AHSupply CF for another tank yet). But I am actually overdriving the T5's as well ;) . But I suppose the term there would be ODHO since I am overdriving high output bulbs. Or maybe T5VHO?

BTW if that article (or my website in general) doesnt load, my router is on the fritz lately and I will probably replace it. Since I am hosting my website on my home computer if my router (or cable) goes out so does my website. But should be back up within a day.

[Mgamer20o0]

good cuz i hate it when your site goes down lol..... the ODNO you have up is the best i have seen. i really like it. the other stuff up on there as well.

[Reddog80p]

True MG. Very thorough Loaches. Great detail. :thumbsup: