Affordable Lighting Suggestions

[kentwo]

I'd like to put a new light on an old 30gl tank to dabble in some planted set ups. Maybe something simple at first with mineralized top soil and no CO2.

But I have no light or hood on the tank. I also just purchased a new tank, light, skimmer, package for a saltwater set up so funds are low. I need a cheap light that will help grow some basic plants. A DIY setup is fine, I just need something to get started.

Anyone have suggestions on a model/light type for this project? I'm not even sure how many watts I'd need for this. So advice in that area would also be appreciated. I've seen some lights on sale on Amazon and Ebay, but shipping to Hawaii always jacks up the price by sometimes $50-100.

 

[carsona246]

This is exactly what I did.
I went to home depot and bought a double light ballast that goes into the ceiling(the ceiling part was an accident) and connected it to an extension cord. Bought two of their plant and aquarium bulbs(make sure it has the right wavelength i'm pretty sure it's 6k or more) then I got two emt pipes and the bender and a chain. bent the pipes to a 90 degree angle, got a hacksaw and cut them to the right length and clamped them to my stand. used a chain to connect the lights to the piping and you have a diy lighting setup that should have 38 wpg. this was for a ten gallon so you might want some more powerful bulbs, but if you want a low light setup you should be able to do one for cheap. oh make sure you return the emt bender too. It'll be free when you return it. They actually forgot to charge me for the lights and the bulbs and I think the total cost for me to make it was like 11 bucks. I bet you could make one for 50 if you were smart about it

 

[kentwo]

Thanks

I was also looking at ordering a kit from: http://ahsupply.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=3

 

[kentwo]

I actually might just try the Aquasun fixture. http://www.petco.com/product/111939/Zoo-Med-AquaSun-T-5-HO-Double-Light-Linear-Fluorescent-Hood.aspx

Not sure if its good, but its cheap.

What bulbs would I need?

 

[kentwo]

I ended up buying the Aquasun fixture from Petco. I'm sure it isn't the greatest, but it was cheap with Petco offering 15% off and free shipping to Hawaii.