Could i do this?

[cichlidcichlid]

I checked home depot online and they have two options i could get. The first is a double T12 strip that is 20 watts a bulb or 40 total. Then they have these spiral ones that you could instal i a incondecent hood they are 23 watts each so 46watt total. What is a better way to go?


I want the highest wattage/ growth rate for my money.


T12 strip - $21
23 watt bulb & incondecent hood - $36

This is for a 29gallon tank.

Is there any point in doing this my self or should i just buy a compact?

Also what would be cheaper in the end?

I know those compact bubls run 28 bucks in the store.

If i just added 20 bucks to th total of the one with the incondecent hood then i coud have bought a 55 watt single bulb compact.

What should i do?

I am really tired of looking at my amozon sword and seeing it slowly dieing every day.

Also i might be purchasing a tank so i am already going to spend 175 even before this lighting. I just want what will work out in the long run so i don't have to spend any more money.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

if you where to use shop lights use the T8 ones. as for what one will give you more light in the tank its going to be the shop light. the 55w cf set up would be the best idea.

 

[cichlidcichlid]

would that even fit over my tank?
The tank is 30 inches and is a 29gal.
Would this be enough to grow most low light plants?
I hoped to get the light strip to fit into the exsisting hood, not hang it over the top of the tank.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

all 3 should fit over your tank. you should be able to get away growing low light plants with all 3.

 

[cichlidcichlid]

really i could just take out the guts of my florecent and put in the guts of the shop light? Will i notice the tank being brighter than before? I have a 15watt florecent right now. Also how well will my plants grow? One amozon have dead amozon sword plant.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

yes it will be brighter. its hard to say how well your plants will grow. i dont know if you can gut it and put in shop lights. like i have side i dont know how much room your working with. there isnt anything stopping you from going to home depot or lowes and checking this stuff out.

 

[cichlidcichlid]

i am working with 24 inches by four inches.

 

[Addict]

i am working with 24 inches by four inches.

ahsupply.com ? The 1x55w kit is 22"L x 4"W x 2"H. That may work. You would likely be able to retrofit your existing hood.