DIY lighting need tons of help

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
E

EDM

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 4, 2009
14
0
0
salinas, CA
I'm about to buy a new tank(150gallons 72"x26"x18") that doesn't come with any thing, and i have bin looking at lighting and they are way out of my budget. So i need a lighting system that will work well for this tank, and will work well with the fish show their cooler. I would appreciated any good ideas that aren't too expensive. Any ideas where i could build my self or find the lighting system cheap. It would be really helpful if you were specific with the ideas, and if you have tried them pictures would be grate.

Thanks,
EDM
 
Miguel4u2;3386370; said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Current-Nova-Ex...in_0?hash=item4cea97f315&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Current-Nova-Ex...in_0?hash=item4cea97edf1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Get two 36" lights

Or...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Odyssea-72-Aqua...in_0?hash=item2302918c13&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Click to expand...

Those are good deals but i can't even afford that right. Now after buying the tank and the Metiriols for my diy stand and diy filler( most likely a sump) ill be left with about $50 max.
 
well 50 bucks won't even buy some new glass tops.

So etheir wait on the lights for now and hunt up some tops, or wait on the tops and buy a shop light fixture or 2 and hang it from the ceiling. You can get a shop light for around 20 bucks at the hardware store.

Or build a canopy out of 1x8 or 1x10 boards and then install a fixture or 2 inside that.
 
hybridtheoryd16;3386559; said:
well 50 bucks won't even buy some new glass tops.

So etheir wait on the lights for now and hunt up some tops, or wait on the tops and buy a shop light fixture or 2 and hang it from the ceiling. You can get a shop light for around 20 bucks at the hardware store.

Or build a canopy out of 1x8 or 1x10 boards and then install a fixture or 2 inside that.
Click to expand...

it comes with the tops its an acrylic tank.
 
search your local newspaper's classified section. i've always found great tank and equiptment deals from people desperate to sell of their fish stuff. also, try craig's list. you can post what you're seeking on craig's list. the seller can contact you.
 
You to either take the 1 of the two !st links i put up or wait for some money. The 2nd link i put up(the novas) are very cheap, try to find a $20 loan. You are not going to find a light for that tank anywhere for $50.

You can do LED. Look at this,you get 2 36" led strips at 5000k which is more than enough for your tank. They can be used for a while or permanently. http://cgi.ebay.com/2-AQUARIUM-LED-...in_0?hash=item35a2fc7bdb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
 
phillydog1958;3386590; said:
search your local newspaper's classified section. i've always found great tank and equiptment deals from people desperate to sell of their fish stuff. also, try craig's list. you can post what you're seeking on craig's list. the seller can contact you.
Click to expand...

Ya, i have bin doing that but no luck with good complete deals. While watching this thread i have bin reading diy plans for light i think im going to end up going with that. I just have to do some more research on it. Starting to overload so I'm taking a quick one hour brake, be back and hopefully i get some more post in here.
 
wow_it_esploded;3386915; said:
shop lights! super cheap and great versatility
Click to expand...
i agree here^ since the tank is 72" i would get (2) 36" shop lights and put them side by side. the bulbs i would use would be corallife 10000K and corallife 50/50. get 2 of these a piece. your tank will look bad ***, i have a 48" tank and i use 1 corallife 10000K and 1 coralife 50/50 and the colors on the fish pop! also the colors in your tank will be brilliant. the bulbs run you about $30 a piece. a much cheaper alternative than the highly recommended T5 lights (which is a joke by the way) no one needs to spend $300 on lighting unless you grow live coral
 
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