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  #1  
Old 12/17/2007, 04:03 PM
ajm ajm is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 36
diy lighting questions

Im on a bit of a budget right now and looking to upgrade my lighting. Right now ive just got the basic hood/light combo (55g tank) with some cheap "plant and aquarium bulbs". Is there any fairly cheap diy options such as buying a fixture from lowes/homedepot that would work and finding a way to mount it?
  #2  
Old 12/17/2007, 05:48 PM
kgross kgross is offline
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Location: Nampa, ID
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Depends on what creatures you want to keep. If you are just looking at a low light reef tank, you can get 2 cheap shop light fixtures (about 10 bux each) and then put some good 32 or 40 watt bulbs in them (2 daylight and 2 actinics would work very well). Total cost would be around $100 for lights. Even if you only go with 1 shop light with 2 good bulbs it will give you quite a bit of light for mushrooms and many soft corals.

Kim
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  #3  
Old 12/18/2007, 11:22 AM
mspad mspad is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Rochester. NY
Posts: 44
My first hood I built, I used VHO ballast that I purchased at Home Depot for $28.00 each. I used 2-110watt VHO bulbs per ballast. I had three ballast that were on three timers. Made for a awesome hood. I have since upgraded to halides, but I still use this hood on my 150 gallon fish only tank. I only use two ballast now. Saved me a ton of money.
  #4  
Old 12/18/2007, 12:39 PM
ajm ajm is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 36
Right now im just lookin to keep some brain coral,polyps,and a few small fish.
 


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