Most economical lighting?

[dkreef]

Im planning 4-5 of 180-240gal fishroom in garage.
whats the cheapest route for good lighting and still save on electricity?

I looked into shop lights at lowes and HD.
yesterday I found this at Costco and it was extremely bright for using only 13W selling for $20.
http://www.amazon.com/Lights-of-Amer...hts+of+america

 

[jechrz]

For big tanks, You can get nice T5 or T8 ballast from any home improvement stores and/or DIY one and use that for lights or go with LED (I chose Aquaeon Modular LEDs that were on sale)

If you plan to keep small tanks, I'd go with clip on desk lamp, which you can get from Walmart (I use these on my 30g, which you need some minor modification to work).

Also, there's a few members here that have done DIY lighting for big tanks, check those out as well.

 

[dkreef]

T5 light fixtures are cheap. but the bulbs are 54W each. don't wanna spend a lot on electricity.

 

[PlaceNameHere]

LED is probably your best bet for low wattage might cost you a bit more to start with if you get actual fish tank branded LEDs though.

 

[dogofwar]

For my fishroom, I just use drop down fluorescent lights. Ikea sells some nice ones. And timers.

I'm mostly about seeing the fish and reducing energy costs and not growing plants, though.

Matt

 

[dkreef]

For my fishroom, I just use drop down fluorescent lights. Ikea sells some nice ones. And timers.

I'm mostly about seeing the fish and reducing energy costs and not growing plants, though.

Matt

this is exactly my goal.
can u tell me which one from IKEA? is it T5? how long is it?
thanks