trying my hand at T-8 DIY

[Star_Rider]

finally decided to try a DIY light for 1 of my 29 G tanks.
went to Lowe's home improvement. found a 24" T-8 fixture dual bulb.
fairly compact 24.75" fits in the hood the bulbs i could find are plant bulbs no K rating GE with 950 lumens.

I spoke with the sales attendant there who indicated that they are moving away from T12 and going with T-8 and some T-5.

they will be getting in Daylight T-8 24" 6700 K..soon,

I discovered I can fit 2 of these fixtues If I need them but waiting to see what other fixtures they will get.
they did have longer fixtures with reflecotrs in them tho not really high polished.

so I have 2 18watt buls over my 29 low tech, will wait to see how that grows,

 

[Sploke]

I did T8 setups over two of my tanks a few weeks ago, so far I'm really happy with how they came out. I'm waiting for HD/Lowes to start selling T5 endcaps, the ones near me don't have them yet.

 

[Star_Rider]

sploke
from what they say they should be carrying these soon.
they have t-5 bulbs but not in the range yet 4100k so far

 

[Brohawk]

I didn't find that I had much of any growth w/ 36 watts over my 29 gal. Actually the only thing I could get to grow was moss and java fern, and at a snail's pace. I'd invest in some quality reflectors at least -- go to a hydroponics / indoor sun type shop. Most sell decent reflectors for much cheaper than what you'll pay for aquarium reflectors.

And think about overdriving the t8s 2x. Then you'll at least have 54 watts w/ just the 2 bulbs.

 

[Star_Rider]

brohawk
thanks for the suggestions.
this tank actually has prety good growth..albeit slow..but that is fine as I don't have to prune as often.

 

[mavisky]

I was looking at their T12 setups for a pair of 48" bulbs along with one of their ballasts to add to my current single 48" setup. Any problems going with the T12's? What is the bulb type that most of the LFS sell such as as Aquaglow or whatever?