home depot or lowes shoplight for 300

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Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 16, 2007
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Sunny Southern Californiaaaaaa
Hey do you guys think a HD or lowes shoplight will be enough to light up a 300 gallon ? I would like it to be bright. Do you think 1 will be enough or should i get a few or should i invest my money into something else.

Thanks
 

Dragon Hunter

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Apr 29, 2006
1,622
732
150
lalaland
get 2 4' shop lights will light up thats 300g tank no prob.
 

WyldFya

Baryancistrus demantoides
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2005
20,791
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Moscow, ID
Depends on how bright "bright" is for you. If you want to see shimmering on the bottom of the tank, then metal halides are what you want, if you want something that just will light the tank up a good amount, then the shoplights will be fine.
 

cassharper

Feeder Fish
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Sep 16, 2007
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Mansfield, Texas
watt per watt t5s will appear brighter to the eye. The t number represents the size in 1/12 of an inch. Since t5 is smaller, when the light bounces back from the reflector the bulb itself will block and scatter less light than a larger bulb size. This is important in plant growing situations, but if you just need to light it up; go with what wyld said
 

WyldFya

Baryancistrus demantoides
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2005
20,791
67
132
Moscow, ID
cassharper;1945766;1945766 said:
watt per watt t5s will appear brighter to the eye. The t number represents the size in 1/12 of an inch. Since t5 is smaller, when the light bounces back from the reflector the bulb itself will block and scatter less light than a larger bulb size. This is important in plant growing situations, but if you just need to light it up; go with what wyld said
The T numbers are in 1/8 inch increments, not 1/12 inch increments. A T5 is 5/8", a T8 is 1" or 8/8", etc.
 

gomezladdams

Polypterus
MFK Member
Sep 8, 2005
5,768
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gilboa,ny
The t5 are brighter and use less electricity.Take up much less room too,the whole thing fixture and dual bulbs measures 2"x2".
cost a bit more though I got them with bulbs for $34 at home depot.
 
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