[GiveIt2MeNerdy]

Hey Everyone!

I'm in desperate need of new lighting for my 55-gallon freshwater (I'm currently running only 1, 32-watt florescent which is obviously not cutting it) , but I am on a very strict budget, so I'm really looking to get a lot of bang for my buck

I came across this lighting system and I'm really leaning towards it simply because of the price, but I would REALLY appreciate some opinions here:

http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-F...Id=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UQWbkfLueSo

Would this be a good idea?

 

[mitchfish9]

Diamond Plate shop light

If you are running a low tech tank, then don't even bother with all those t5's. This light is only 2 t8 bulbs, but it has some of the best reflectors you can find. So if you buy this you would want to raise it about 5 inches or put a layer of window screen under it

 

[GiveIt2MeNerdy]

Diamond Plate shop light

If you are running a low tech tank, then don't even bother with all those t5's. This light is only 2 t8 bulbs, but it has some of the best reflectors you can find. So if you buy this you would want to raise it about 5 inches or put a layer of window screen under it

Hey thanks!

My tank is high tech, so would they work?

The link you posted tanks me to a dead end?

 

[Bubba Shrimp]

They would work fine.

 

[kevmo911]

This was the intended link:

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/lithon...fluorescent-shop-light-fixture-1241dp-re.html

 

[aznartist34]

Hey thanks!

My tank is high tech, so would they work?

The link you posted tanks me to a dead end?

High tech implies high light, pressurized co2 and feet dozing. I suggest you read more into lighting and co2 before you dive into high lighting and save yourself a lot of frustration with algae and such in the future.

 

[Rich Guano]

High tech implies high light, pressurized co2 and feet dozing. I suggest you read more into lighting and co2 before you dive into high lighting and save yourself a lot of frustration with algae and such in the future.

What is feet dozing?

He is right, your gonna get better bang for you buck staying low tech. Why don't you slip over to the low tech section and see what all the fuss is about.

Your 55 tank looks good so far. If your having trouble with it let us know whats going on.

 

[Steve001]

Yes, What is feet dozing ? And why would they want too doze their feet that's assuming it's their feet and not my feet they are talking. Perhaps this is a construction project that requires using their feet.

 

[GiveIt2MeNerdy]

High tech implies high light, pressurized co2 and feet dozing. I suggest you read more into lighting and co2 before you dive into high lighting and save yourself a lot of frustration with algae and such in the future.

Thanks, I'm aware. My tank does have CO2 injection and ferts. What's missing is the lighting.

 

[GiveIt2MeNerdy]

What is feet dozing?

He is right, your gonna get better bang for you buck staying low tech. Why don't you slip over to the low tech section and see what all the fuss is about.

Your 55 tank looks good so far. If your having trouble with it let us know whats going on.

Wow. So I checked out the low-tech forum and holy moly!!! Some of those tanks are absolutely breath-taking and dare I say, some even more so than some high-tech tanks that I've seen. Definitely makes you think twice about spending so much money on tank supplies when you can get something that beautiful with next to nothing cost.

 

[Rich Guano]

I am very proud of you. This is a wonderful moment. Where shall we begin. It is time for you to take a walk on the dirt side.

 

[mitchfish9]

Sorry about the link. And the low tech forum and dustinsfish tanks is what inspired my originally to show how much I could do while going low tech.

But if you are going low tech and want a reliable fixture, that is about as cheap as it gets. You would want to raise it some if you are doing low tech. And if its high tech it can sit right on top of the tank.

 

[aznartist34]

Damn auto correct, you know what I mean. For high tech diy co2 isn't enough for a large tank unless you have several gallon containers of the yeast mixtures, you need pressurized co2 keep up with demands on a consistent basis.

 

[Yankee]

Thanks, I'm aware. My tank does have CO2 injection and ferts. What's missing is the lighting.

This is a great budget fixture for a high tech 55:
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_reviews_info.php?products_id=1638&reviews_id=2

 

[GiveIt2MeNerdy]

Damn auto correct, you know what I mean. For high tech diy co2 isn't enough for a large tank unless you have several gallon containers of the yeast mixtures, you need pressurized co2 keep up with demands on a consistent basis.

Well it's enough CO2 to crash my pH from 8.4 to 6.5, so DIY or not it's certainly having a great effect on my tank.