Are simple shop lights okay??

[tap]

I'm setting up an 80 gallon tank and I know everything i need to know to have a succesful aquarium, Ive had many in the past, but now that im setting up this tank i need some new lights and as we all know aquarium lights are expensive

so I was wondering if i could go buy some cheap 48" shop lights and use them with no problems.

Anyones experience or wisdom is appreciated.

THANKS

 

[jpappy789]

Lots of people use 'em.

 

[SubRosa]

As long as there's a piece of glass between the bulbs and the water you're fine.

 

[BOLTSFAN]

I have several tanks and have them over my 120 and my 70. As stated above u just need something to keep the moisture out of the bulb connection.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Sure, get some...and you could build an easy canopy box to mount them in, as well.

 

[rithunder916]

I have them over my 55 and soon my 130 they are great options

 

[rsanz]

My question is, are shop lights viable for a high tech planted setup? I know that T8's are less efficient for growing plants, so you'll need more fixtures to get the same light output as a high-end T5 fixture.

Has anyone ever set up a high tech planted tank with these shop lights?

 

[Chrisk-K]

A high-tech planted setup, by definition, excludes T8's.

 

[jm1212]

I'm sure that low-light plants will be fine, as long as you get pertinent bulbs that have a kelvin rating of around 6700 degrees.

 

[Rob24]

As everone has stated. YES. Use them. The one I have has two bulbs. Sits flush on the glass. It came glossy white. Been thinking about painting it... but been to lazy.