The cost of lighting

[Flohrie]

Here is Australia, a 122cm (4ft) double flourescent light costs around $160 ($95USD).

So I ask you, how does everyone afford such expensive lighting. Is Australia just expensive or is there a cheaper way to do it?

At the moment I'm stuck with 1 single 40w flourescent, and I really want my tank to be brighter and help my plants. :(

[OrionGirl]

That doesn't sound unreasonably expensive. I've shopped around for lights a lot, and found that initial setup is costly no matter how you go (MH, VHO, PC). Saving your pennies is the best advice I know, though sometimes you can find a bargain at garage sales or the paper--watch for a reefer who's getting out of the hobby, for example.

Just keep in mind--the type of bulb makes big difference as well, and plants won't benefit from just an increase in lighting. You'll need to provide additional CO2 and nutrients with an increase in lighting. I'd look into other options before dropping big bucks on more lighting, only to find out that CO2 is your limiting factor.

[beviking]

Agreed with OrionGirl. That is, if you're buying lights manufactured for the aquarium. Some of us, build their own hood (canopy) and install cheap ($7 US) shop lights in them that hold 2 bulbs. There is plenty of info in the DIY forum if you're interested.

[OCSupertones]

I went to a hardware store and bought some cheap ($6) shop lights, drilled them into my canopy and now have 160 watts in my 135 gallon and it cost me about $40 with a power strip...thats pretty inexpensive if you ask me...and it was simple to do, took me about an hour

[GulfCstAquarian]

That's the cheapest way to go. In Australia, I'm sure you can still find a dual 40 watt shop light for pretty cheap. They're mass produced in such high quantities that it's easy to find them

OCSupertones - love the username! Supertones Strike Back!

[valerie]

here in canada the prices are really high too if you go with the LFS version. I went to home depot and got 2 40w light fixtures for 20$can each. I made my own hood. I looked into buying store bought lights but they are such a rip off. DIY is the way to go.

Even the LFS light bulbs(ex. zoomed) cost 25-35$ for one 40w bulb. I found soem daylight bulbs(6700K) at the same home depot for 6$

[Flohrie]

Well I will have a look around at the hardware stores and see what I can find, I made my own hood so I should be able to put some DIY lights in.

....maybe :p

[FishHunter8]

Does anyone know does home depot have VHO ballasts?

[NJ Devils Fan]

I also got a shop light from Home Depot for very cheap, about $16 for 2 40 watt bulbs. I put 2 6500K bulbs in each. I plan to go back to hd within the next few days to get another light fixture that is a bit smaller for about only $7. I figure I cannot afford not to get it.

[OCSupertones]

Originally posted by GulfCstAquarian

OCSupertones - love the username! Supertones Strike Back!

Thanks man, you live in CA? have you ever seen them in concert?

sorry about hi jacking the thread :)