8' Tank Light Setup

[volcomstone]

I am in the same boat, but on an uber budget. I went to lowes and the only cheapish lights were T12 that I saw. The smaller T8 or T10 were more expensive.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=163697-337-2004LU&lpage=none

You could get a pair of these 4' lights for $40. I just don't like the huge T12 bulbs so I passed and the fixture isn't exactly right.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=283285-1390-GU9804-T8-BKSS&lpage=none

These are what they had for hanging shop lights that I like. T8 version, $50 each so $100 for the pair to do an 8ft tank.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=283285-1390-GU9804-T8-BKSS&lpage=none

This is nice too but with 4 bulbs would be a power hog with a pair, also $50 each.

I've got the tank in the kitchen and it's under a hanging light with 3 x CFL bulbs, so really I could just build a little canopy around it and call it done. But I'm not sure.

Yea I'm trying to avoid T12 and any type of hanging fixtures. Appreciate it though!

BUMP....anyone else

 

[volcomstone]

TTT

 

[volcomstone]

BUMP...anybody else got suggestions...thanks!

 

[volcomstone]

Update: So later this evening I'm planning to check out these in the 48":

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12109

Someone locally to me is selling them super cheap which I can't pass up. He used it for his SW setup.

Do you guys think it will be good lighting system for my 8' length FW tank...maybe someone who has own these before can speak on this? I've heard that the actinics can speed algae growth at times and might give my water too much of a blue tint.

I plan to place it in the middle which would mean about 2' on both end sides of no lighting directly above. I like a little darkness towards each side but now I'm thinking 2' might be too much of a gap. I wish it was a 6' PC light fixture rather than a 4'. Anybody have only a 4' fixture to light up their 8' tank?

 

[koop171]

If you've got a conopy then get a 8' shop light. Most of them will accept T8 or T12 bulbs. and they are Cheap compared to other setups and then you just have to pick the type of bulb you like. I have used shop lights before and It's a great alternative to the standard aquarium lights if nothing special is needed.

 

[ozpkchris]

If you've got a conopy then get a 8' shop light. Most of them will accept T8 or T12 bulbs. and they are Cheap compared to other setups and then you just have to pick the type of bulb you like. I have used shop lights before and It's a great alternative to the standard aquarium lights if nothing special is needed.

i did what is quoted a above and im always having problems with them due to humidly, even with the water proof ends
then i again im in fla