Lighting is $$$oooo expensive! Options??

[genEus]

So I'm considering what kind of lighting to get on top of the 125 gallon planted tank I'm planning on getting for myself for Xmas

I looked at some lighting options in the DrsFS catalog, like T5 or MH and WOW, they are expensive!!

What are cheaper alternatives? I mean, seriously, 8x35W 72" fixture costs $300 on eBay?? http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-72''-...temQQimsxZ20081108?IMSfp=TL081108102002r21487

Is there nothing that can be put together for a fraction of the cost?? Using CFLs or something?

What about lighting meant for non-aquarium uses, retrofitted for higher wattage? It seems that once you say "aquarium" - the prices will just triple, am I right?

So, yeah, all suggestions welcome. Meanwhile I'll be browsing the DIY section

 

[jcardona1]

if you dont need a lot of light, then you could go with normal output fluorescents. you could use some 4ft shop lights that you could get at lowes or home depot and change out the bulbs. you could even paint the housing black. wont be pretty, but its probably the cheapest lighting option.

if you need higher levels of light, T5HO for example, then i recommend the fixture from Catalina Aquarium. in my opinion, it is the best light in its price range. take a look at the review i posted (see post #25)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48156&page=3

 

[unstopablepuffers]

i agree that shop lights are the cheap option, if you have a canapy nobody will be non the wiser

 

[seds]

Does a normal "aquarium" light work?


...do all lights grow plants? Algae does fine in my tank, I have never kept a live plant alive to find out if they can photosynthesize.

 

[cassharper]

it's not the "style" of fixture that grows the plants. It's the intensity (lux, or all to often dumbed down into the power it draws (watts) and even further into the power it draws in reference to common tank size (watts per gallon), the color rating (the K number, plants can grow in different types, like full spectrum/daylight and lights in that have more in the red/green color spectrum).

When you see "regular" aquarium lights they are normally t-8 (this refers to the size). The problem with this is the larger lightbulb will absorb some of the light it emits. This can partially be solved with parabolic reflects that bounce the light around the bulb. There are some t-5 set ups that have almost 100% efficiency in bouncing the light back.

So we see that light must be reflected efficiently (preferably smaller size like t-5) and have good power (like HO- High Output or VHO- Very High Output), and this isn't cheap. You will be saving you money in the long run because your plants will get the same benefit from X intensity from lights made for growing plants as from 2X lights not made for it (in watts, and as I said more watts=more power drawn from the socket=higher electric bills).

So as long winded as that was, what was my point? Shop lights will work, in med light setups in 4 foot tanks, you can make this work fine. If you spend some money up front, you will have happier plants and a happier electric bill.

 

[genEus]

One thing I wasn't sure about - I thought for a 6 foot tank I should be looking for 6 foot lighting, is that not necessarily so? Will I get away with 4ft?

 

[WyldFya]

First step you need to read the stickies. Second step, you need to figure out what level of lighting you want. If you go with a high light setup, you will most likely need CO2 in its pressurized form. This is even more expensive. Lighting is dependent on the need. Post what plants you plan to house, and what fish, then we can help you more.

 

[genEus]

First step you need to read the stickies. Second step, you need to figure out what level of lighting you want. If you go with a high light setup, you will most likely need CO2 in its pressurized form. This is even more expensive. Lighting is dependent on the need. Post what plants you plan to house, and what fish, then we can help you more.

Well... I am absolutely crazy about ultra-planted tanks, but I don't want the hassle of one, at least for now. So, I would like to be able to get away without using CO2. I probably will have lots of driftwood with anubias on it, a few amazon swords, and a vallisneria jungle all around the perimeter of the tank. So, I don't think I need too much light - I am just trying to research my options... What I mean is - if the difference between "little light" and "a lot of light" is $100 - I would choose "a lot of light." But, if the difference is $1000 - that's a little too much ....

As for the fish? I'm not sure I will do Discus now - as I am not sure I can handle the upkeep. I was thinking of some giant angels, rams, and cardinals, plus whatever else I may think of.