Cheapest way to light a 40g

[loaches r cool]

Yah I know. I think we need to come up with a reflector that works with shop lights. I don't think it is the bulbs that make that happen, but the design of the fixture.

The bulbs do have a lot to do with it though, the larger the diameter of the bulb the more bulb there is in the way of the reflector (i.e. restrike). The reflector would have to be much larger (would cost more) and probably still wouldnt be as efficient. I agree it would be doable on atleast T8's, but for now there are bulbs and reflectors that perform quiet well, T5 for one. If cost is an issue then maybe instead of hoping companies are going to start making high performance reflectors for T8's maybe we should hope companies start making T5 bulbs and ballasts as cheap as T8.

 

[Nolapete]

Ever see the bulbs that only let light out on half the bulb? I wonder how that works.

Optimally, I think we'd all like to have the high-end lights, but face it a lot of us are on a limited budget. What's the point in having the high-end lights if you can't afford to have anything in your tank after that?

The title of this thread, "Cheapest way to light a 40g," indicates to me that T5 isn't in the budget.