Tropical Fish Forums

Brave Dave · Regulars Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Boise ID

I was looking to upgrade my lighting. I have a 75 gallon and it came with a 36in 2bulb fixture. I want lighting that will cover the entire length 48in. I was at fred meyer today and saw they have a 48in 2 bulb shop light fixture for $9.99 US. Thats a way better than aquarium lights I've been looking at for about $90. Other than being kinda ugly would there be any downsides to this type of lighting? I have quite a few plants, but non that need high lighting, and I have a glass cover. They also had bulbs there for 6.99 that claimed to be for plants and aquariums. Sounds like an awesome deal to me, but will it work? Thanks everyone
Dave

TMfish · Members Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Location: Michigan, USA

I went that route for my 70Gal. I went to Homer Depot and bought a 48" 4 bulb fixture and installed it under my wooden canopy. 4x40=160 Watts. Works great and was cheap.
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Bolivian Ramage · Regulars Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Location: N.S, Canada

jimmy campbell

Back to the origional post, I guess they would work if they were the proper wattage. I think you can use any ballast aslong as you get the proper wattage. I almost went to home depot for the "shop light" but I went to my lfs instead and bought a light from there. I figure it may be just as cheep. its wasent but ill like "oh well, I got the money handed to me anyways go buy something I liked"

TMfish · Members Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Location: Michigan, USA

No I don't use Co2. My plants are doing OK without. I have a flourite substrate, and use Hagen plantGro for ferts. I have to trim my Val's weekly or they block all the light.
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Brave Dave · Regulars Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Boise ID

Thanks so much everyone! It's just so much cheaper, but I wanted to make sure there were no big problems with it. I might just check out what home depot has Laughing

fish man · Members Joined: 02 May 2005 Location: canada

were the plant and aquarium bulbs made by GE (general electric) if so I find those nice bulbs I have 2 of them and 2 GE cool white bulbs over my 90 gallon before I took it down to start fresh with a new substrate, painted back , new stand and new hood.
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90 gallon planted
43 gallon salt water
55 gallon cichlid
10gallon plated guppie tank

jimmy campbell

So, instead of making my own thread about DIY and cheep lighting, what can I use as a "reflector" instead of paying 79,99 CDN for the proper reflector from my LFS? I'm using the flouresent bulbs 48inch long and they have the "end caps" on both ends and the bulb goes in the middle. for more info google.com and look for Glomat2.