DIY/BUY lights

[College fishman]

So i dont want to spend like $400+ on a nice purely just for aquarium light fixtures. so would i be ok just buying 2 of these (or ones like it)

- http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-F...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

and then buy some silver coating for the inside, and spray the outside black to make it more sleek looking??

everyone say's t5, but these say t8. whats the difference?

 

[jcardona1]

You don't need to spend $400 for a light fixture. Check out www.fishneedit.com

T8s are very dim. T5HO are thinner bulbs, but put out a ton of light, way more than T8/T12 bulbs.

 

[pi-eyed]

Fish normally don't require light. We use the lights so we can view them. Planted tanks require the light. I use shop lights on most of my tanks(non planted). Works great for me..

My 2cents,
Chris

 

[College fishman]

alright cool deal, ill chekc that sight out. thanks guys!

 

[redman88]

http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-F...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

i have this one over my 55gallon. can't help with your lighting choice unless we know what your goal is

 

[College fishman]

my goal is for my tank to be lit up lol

 

[redman88]

looking to grow live plants or just see the fishes

 

[College fishman]

well im going to have oscars, and i know they have been known to tear stuff up, but definitely be able to hold plant life in the future

 

[mbeezy618]

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and then buy some silver coating for the inside, and spray the outside black to make it more sleek looking??

Lowes has the black shop light with 48'' 8k dual bulbs for $18.00

 

[cdubel01]

So, could u use these shop lights with t-8 bulbs and find ones that are 6700k+ and be good for growing most plants in a tank? I know different plants need different things, but as a general statement, yes?