lighting

[truck_317]

I am looking to build a canopy for my 55 gallon tank. i am looking to get a 48in light ballas that holds 2 fluorescent lights. do i need any kind of reflector for the lighting or not. also i want to get like a bright light for the front and a some blue color light for the back.
Also my other question is do i need small fans in my canopy too for any air flow

 

[chesterthehero]

homedepot has 48" shoplights starting at around $20.. if you want more light.. get something reflective.. if you want less light use something nonreflective... as for fans.. all depends... how much heat does your lighting fixture produce, how sealed is your canopy, how much airflow do you have in your house in general (celing fans, open windows, ect)

 

[ronin_man]

some people use fans some dont, i do, i use a small computer fan i had sitting around just to keep my wood canopy bone dry

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

reflectors do help and they increase the lumens that actually make it to the tank. A cheap way to make a really good reflector is mylar mirrored plastic wrap. They sell it online and at any hydroponics shop. That is what they use in grow rooms for reflectors. You know grow rooms for growing tomatoes in the winter time. You can not have enough fresh tomatoes.

 

[Knowdafish]

reflectors do help and they increase the lumens that actually make it to the tank. A cheap way to make a really good reflector is mylar mirrored plastic wrap. They sell it online and at any hydroponics shop. That is what they use in grow rooms for reflectors. You know grow rooms for growing tomatoes in the winter time. You can not have enough fresh tomatoes.

Hydroponics? Reflectors? Tomatoes?

 

[truck_317]

if i get a dual 48in shop light what is the best bulbs to get. i want somthing in the back that gives off a blue light and then a brighter one in the front

 

[chesterthehero]

fyi tinfoil also works great... but if you get the $20 depot special you wont need it... its silver diamond plate... way classy..

 

[Knowdafish]

fyi tinfoil also works great... but if you get the $20 depot special you wont need it... its silver diamond plate... way classy..

The HD specials in Diamond plate are soooooooo cool! And.....since they're aluminum.....you don't have to worry about them rusting!