I found a cheap alternative, will it work?

[fballguy]

Would it work to get a regular light socket, with a socket on each side, then put a screw in flourescent bulb in each side? Right now I have <1 WPG so if I put, say, a 20 watt on each side would that be the same as using 40 watts in flourescent tubes?

 

[fishcatch22]

Would it work to get a regular light socket, with a socket on each side, then put a screw in flourescent bulb in each side? Right now I have <1 WPG so if I put, say, a 20 watt on each side would that be the same as using 40 watts in flourescent tubes?

hmmmm.... worth a try. I grow plants in my FBTs tank using a household compact.

 

[fballguy]

Oh yea, it works great! I have 2-20 watt bulbs on there now, I may go see if I can get anything bigger after class today. Pics coming soon.

 

[CaptnDan]

I'm thinking that if you get the ones like they have at Home Depot that have the right spectrum, it should be fine...

At least I hope so, because this is exactly what I have been thinking about doing! I want to bump up the light in my 55g

 

[gagaliya]

Oh yea, it works great! I have 2-20 watt bulbs on there now, I may go see if I can get anything bigger after class today. Pics coming soon.

dont forget a good reflector

 

[fballguy]

dont forget a good reflector

Aluminum foil?

 

[fballguy]

Actually I have a better idea. Tonight at school I'll get a scrap of 1/16 inch aluminum, and sand it smooth. Then it will basically be a mirror.

 

[justintoxicated]

Polishi t up ona buffing wheel and it will be super shiny, but with moisture in the tank it probably won't last

 

[fballguy]

Water won't hurt aluminum. Chlorine corodes it very quickly, but water alone won't do anything. Aluminum does oxidate on the surface pretty quickly, but it will still be like a mirror.

 

[twig]

i hear those bulbs work but aren't as efficient. So even though it's 40 watts its considered less.

Leans more towards a low light