I was looking at home depot's website and they have a 2-bulb 48" shop light for $7.95... anybody have experience using these for growing plants? it seems two or three of these would be quite and economical lighting solution for my 55gal.
anybody have experience with shop lights?
- Thread starter ChicoRaton
- Start date
They don't look the greatest but they do work pretty good. I use a 2 footer over my 20 gallon. Just make sure you have a glass top underneath or higher above the tank because moisture will probably be an issue. You can buy 2 packs of "Daylight Deluxe" bulbs cheap at home depot.
I've got 2 set of 2 bulbs each (48" 40w) over my 55g for 160w total. They're hidden because I build a hood for them. They rest about 1 foot or so off the water and are working out pretty well.
However, if I were doing it again today, I'd probably buy the t-8 (t-5? omg I'm drawing a blank) bulbs that are more efficient and thinner so you can fit more in a limited space.
However, if I were doing it again today, I'd probably buy the t-8 (t-5? omg I'm drawing a blank) bulbs that are more efficient and thinner so you can fit more in a limited space.
I'm using the 48" shop lights, 6 bulbs over a 115. I use 4 of the Plant and aquarium bulbs (they are pretty pink) and 2 deluxe daylight to hide the pink. Like Leopardess mine are pretty high above the tank in a homeade hood, But I think they are great. as far as cheap vs T-8 I bought the magnetic t-12's the t-8's were over budget at the time, but I didn't want the buzzing you often get with a standard ballast so I went with the in between model. The ballast type equates to noise and effeciency. The t-12's will light as well with either ballast. The magnetic ballasts tend to be quieter and cheaper to run long term. Either way they are a good idea for anyone DIY capable.
I used to have 2 shop lights with two bulbs in each- 160 watts over my 72g. Worked excellently, didn't look great though, but it was very good. I paid $13 for the first one and $10 for the second. I think you should get two of the ones you saw at home depot, and mix the bulbs. 2 natural daylight(5000K) and 2 daylight delux(6500K).
Thanks for all your suggestions. As soon as I get some $$ to spend on my aquarium, I'll have to go get some of those and figure out a way to put them in a hood. I'd rather not have shop lights just hanging above my aquarium... it should at least look kinda good
Yeah Chico, that's the way I went. 3 $7.95 shop lights over a 90g tank. Mine are in a DIY hood with the ballast on the back of the hood. No buzzing but I have heard others mention it. I even disassembled the lights and screwed the "hangers" into the hood to do away with the metal housing. Just make sure to ground them if you do this.
I like the T8's! It's the bulbs you want to investigate, the shop light fixtures are fine!
I like the T8's! It's the bulbs you want to investigate, the shop light fixtures are fine!
Just be sure to use either plant or aquarium bulbs though, cool white bulbs, though brighter, don't work worth a crap in terms of plant growth.
I disagree. The cooler white bulbs are fine. The plant and aquarium bulbs are more expensive, too. I use GE's Daylight or Natural Sunlight or something and they work fine, as you can see in my tanks.
Actual "cool-white" bulbs are technically different from the Daylight Deluxe/Natural Sunlight etc. bulbs, and it's true that the former doesn't have the best color temperature for growing plants. But the difference is less than you might think. Here's a ridiculously informative article:
http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm
Your mileage may vary. I think I would follow Leop's example and go with Daylight bulbs to get the most bang for your buck. The "specialty" bulbs in your pet store are enormously overpriced.
http://www.aquabotanic.com/lightcompare.htm
Your mileage may vary. I think I would follow Leop's example and go with Daylight bulbs to get the most bang for your buck. The "specialty" bulbs in your pet store are enormously overpriced.