Where to get cheaper, effective light?

[Sara3502]

I need a 36" light for my tank. The light I have on it is some type of fluorescent little thing and it doesn't even say how many lumens or watts it gives off! I don't want my plants to die, so where can I get one? My tank is a 46 gallon. I have a hood that's not being used because the light died, so I could just get 2 fluorescent bulbs or so something too. But I can't get the 100$ stuff. Thanks!!!!

[Rich Guano]

Lowes has the clamp on work lights 8 bucks each...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_203213-1373-...7C1&facetInfo=

then add cfl with a rating near 6500K or daylight rating.

Buy two minimum. Three if you can swing it. I hope this helps you out until you situation improves.

[Shiggy]

I have found LED Flood lights on ebay to be very nice. There is a thread about them under light you can check them out. I really like them they are decent price and really bright.

[Jimbok3]

I recommend staying away from low budget led lighting, I've been experimenting with if for my carnivorous plants and it is not the best for growth. I'd go with florescent grow lights they are more reliable and will promote healthy plants. Led lighting can be used in addition to bring out some of your fishes color.

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi Sara3502,

Your 46 gallon bowfront is 24" deep, typically about 22" to the substrate level. I have a 45 gallon tall with the same 24" depth and getting reasonable PAR values to that depth will take a couple of bulbs with good reflectors.

45 gallon tall

[laqu]

Originally Posted by Rich Guano

Lowes has the clamp on work lights 8 bucks each...

http://www.lowes.com/pd_203213-1373-...7C1&facetInfo=

then add cfl with a rating near 6500K or daylight rating.

Buy two minimum. Three if you can swing it. I hope this helps you out until you situation improves.

that's what i have on my tank... held by two nice, now matching, empty red wine bottles.. not only are they inexpensive and work GREAT .. it was fun making them (i did fill bottles with cheap walmart gravel)

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi Sara3502,

The dome type reflectors can get light down to that 22" depth using bulbs with enough wattage.

Per Hoppy's excellent thread on PAR:

[Sara3502]

Wow y'all have helped so much!!! Thanks!!! This is so great

[Sara3502]

We have reflectors at home so tomorrow ill just go into Home Depot and get a 23 watt shown above on the graph. Should I get one or two?

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi Hi Sara3502,

Unless you are running CO2, I would suggest using 13 - 15 watt 6500K / Daylight bulbs; two fixtures over a 46 gallon should be sufficient.

[dprais1]

I had the 23watts on my 75 gallon and it was too much, now I have 20watts and it is still too much so I only have them on for a couple of hours a day now and use some t5NO the rest of the time. So def 13-14 should be ok. BTW I couldn't find any of the right K bulbs at home depot but walmart had them

[kevmo911]

Originally Posted by dprais1

I had the 23watts on my 75 gallon and it was too much, now I have 20watts and it is still too much so I only have them on for a couple of hours a day now and use some t5NO the rest of the time. So def 13-14 should be ok. BTW I couldn't find any of the right K bulbs at home depot but walmart had them

My Lowes doesn't have CFL's in the 5k to 6500 range, but my HD does. Two brands, I believe.

[AlanLe]

Originally Posted by dprais1

I had the 23watts on my 75 gallon and it was too much, now I have 20watts and it is still too much so I only have them on for a couple of hours a day now and use some t5NO the rest of the time. So def 13-14 should be ok. BTW I couldn't find any of the right K bulbs at home depot but walmart had them

Are you running co2? I have a 55 gallon and planning to hook up a co2 system. How many watt would be an ideal? Thanks