If you want inexpensive t5's, look up 'grow light t5' on eekbay. Much cheaper than aquarium setups.
DougN
I believe this to be accurate. As far as fluorescent lighting goes, regular plant lights and aquarium plant lights are virtually the same (LED plant lights as well, probably.) it's my strong opinion that you can build your own or buy a unit not marketed for aquarists, at less cost and better quality (maybe.) Look at office/shop/hydroponics fixtures(buy plant bulbs if need be)...and hate to say it but the marijuana industry seems to have phenomenal lighting tech as well and is a little less "shady" with the legalizations happening.
I use this Lithuania (duel 21" bulbs) plant light for indoor plants and rest it on the rim of a ten gallon and it is way too much light, it's on about 4 hours a day(I also only add excell, no co2.). High light Plants have phenomenal growth.
On the other side, I'm a strong advocate for the current satellite plus pro....I can't believe the output and PAR given off...absolutely ridiculous as far as ANY lighting goes. I have to use them on 50% power. By far the best decision I made but probably out of your budget range for that size tank. It also gives off good color unlike fluorescent, and is extremely adjustable and programmable to achieve your desire look and light requirements. I don't think you can beat the satellite plus pro unless you go all out on a homemade build (if you know exactly what you're doing,) or halogen systems.
Sorry for the rant, hope my experiences assist you with your decision. Good luck!
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Just as the title says. 75 gallon tank 48 inches long, 18 inch to substrate. pressurized co2 and ferts
I have been doing a ton of research but cannot decide on anything, trying to upgrade my lights. I wanted this to be as cheap as possible(im only 16)
First off what are cheap fixtures for t8 bulbs and how many would I need to grow:
Dwarf Hairgrass, Marsilea Minuta(clovers), Dwarf baby tears, monte carlo, glosso
And even though LEDS are more expensive they do last longer and i love how they make fish look. What are the cheapest LED lights i would need to grow: Dwarf Hairgrass, Marsilea Minuta(clovers), Dwarf baby tears, monte carlo, glosso
for LEDS around $100 is cheap IMO
Bump: Will this grow them?
https://www.amazon.com/Beamswork-FS...d=1482085827&sr=8-6&keywords=beamswork+led+48
I don't think T8 bulbs will reach your substrate adequately for low growing, high light plants...my T5's can't grow dwarf hair grass very well in my 30 gallon 18"tall tank.
All in all, I didn't realize your age and budget limitations, go for T5, look on eBay and Amazon, and find a t5 fixture within your price range that will rest on your tank (or hang above from the ceiling.) if it's not marketed as a plant light, ITS OK! You will need to buy plant bulbs for it though, making sure it's the correct wattage and what not as to not damage/wear the components (it will last longer to put it simply.)
Unfortunately with LED's, you get what you pay for... a $60 fixture will most likely not be adequate for your needs. (Trust me..$60 down the drain for me when I first started out.)
These are strictly my opinions based off of my experiences, research, and engineering(non electrical) background. I hope others will give their opinions and experiences. There might be that one cheap LED somewhere out there that's really good, who knows.
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