View Full Version : Cheap lighing?
Mgamer20o0
08-06-2003, 2:21 AM
I wanted to know what kind of good cheap lighting I could get. I have a 100 gal tank. I am a full time college student on a really low budget. For now I added 4 florescent 40w t12 bulbs. With 2 day time lights and 2 plant lights one full spectrum.
cpr4cpu
08-06-2003, 11:06 AM
there are not too many options available. I think you should start saving for a 2x96 Compact Fluorescent retrofit from AHSupply
It'll get you close to 2 watts per gallon and shouldn't cut into the college party funding too bad.
Matt W
08-06-2003, 2:05 PM
Homedepot has a 2x96 shop lights for 36 bucks....
CHINABOY1021
08-06-2003, 2:31 PM
home depot is the way to go. or you can do ODNO
Mgamer20o0
08-06-2003, 3:47 PM
i got my lights from home depot. i didnt see any 96w maybe i should go to another one, mines kind of small. also what light bulbs should i get for them. i think i should just keep 1 of the 40w and add 1 96w. the 40w keep the plant bulbs and the 96w get day time lights. does this sound good. that would get my lighting up to 2.72 wpg.
Mgamer20o0
08-06-2003, 9:39 PM
i went to my hope depot and the only lighting over 40w were 8 footers. i am going to check lowes next.
GulfCstAquarian
08-07-2003, 2:09 PM
Lowes isn't going to have anything very different from Home Depot.
How handy are you with building a little canopy?
Here's a kit pre-wired with two 96w bulbs for $85 (http://www.petsupplyliquidator.com/htm/aparts_pwrcompactballast.htm#b3). All you would need to do is build a canopy for them to sit in. You could use white rain gutter sheetmetal if you need something quick and cheap.
If you aren't too handy at DIY, then this hood is a good addition to your 40 watters...
Aluminum Lighthouse (http://www.petsupplyliquidator.com/htm/aprod_hood_al_lighthouse.htm)
Game, I think you're maxed out at 160 watts unless you either add another shop light over the tank or buy CF.
To the best of my knowledge the max you'll find at any of the Depots or Lowes are 48" - 40 watt tubes.
When you save some cash go here: www.ahsupply.com
Len
Mgamer20o0
08-07-2003, 4:11 PM
I went to another home depot and found nothing. I also went to Lowes but that place confused me. They had 48" bulbs at 60w. They also had the ballast for 96w, but no bulbs. So for now i think I will only get low light plants. Until i have the money to buy better ligting.