Why are these strip lights priced so differently?

wendamus

Crazy Guppy Lady with serious MTS
Jul 17, 2008
195
0
0
51
Los Angeles
Hi folks,

I need some help differentiating between the dual strip lights out there.

I'm setting up some 5 gallon tanks for a guppy breeding setup, 4 to a shelf. I'm getting strip lighting to go over the tanks, because I intend to have lots of plants in them to reduce cleaning and water changes, plus fry hiding places.

5 gallons are 8 inches wide, 4 to a shelf, so I'm getting a 36 inch light. I wanted dual bulbs to give me more wattage, and increase my plant options (I can always scatter duckweed on any tank getting too MUCH light, but it's harder to go in the other direction)

Found some great prices on dual bulp strip lights:

36 inch double strip, $44.99
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...6/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight36

36 inch dual compact light: $106.99

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...aqualight_power_compact_strip_light_1x96wattt

36 inch dual compact light: $199.99
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa..._aqualight_power_compact_strip_light_2x96watt

So what's the difference between these lights? If they're basically the same, why spend so much more? If they're fundamentally different, what should I look for, for my setup?

Thanks!

-Wendy
 
Last edited:
Got it, thanks. I misread the last one, thought it was two bulbs. I went with the regular flourescent rather than the CFL, because ... cheaper fixture, cheaper bulbs, and that means more money for fish! Er... I mean... to save for my daughter's college fund. :-)
 
1 - 42 watts
2 - 96 watts
3 - 192 watts

Thus the difference in price. I'm not sure the first option would be enough light for 'lots of plants'
 
42 watts sounds like the best bet as long as you keep the plants simple and low light, eg mosses, ferns, hornwort, crypts.
 
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