low-cost lighting?

[angiras]

Hi all - I am in the process of trying to setup a budget-minded 29 gal planted tank to house a pair of apistos. The only lighting I currently have available is either a 24" NO Flourescent strip (1 bulb max - 20w) or from when I started my reef tank I have a 2x96w power compact fixture (each bulb has its own switch). The 20w is not enough for most plants i know - but even if I only use one of the 96w bulbs - will this be so much light per gallon that I'd have to supplement co2?

The whole thought behind this is to have "some" plants - I dont mind keeping very basic things that dont require loads of light and will thrive in almost any conditions.

If I don't use the 2 lighting options I have - can anyone suggest a low-cost alternative that I could purchase?

please help.

-Ben

 

[aspen]

hi ben, if you use 96 watts over that tank, i don't believe you will have the type of tank you would enjoy. if it were me, i would buy a 2 lamp 'wrap-around' type fixture (paint it black) and put in an electronic ballast for 2 2' t-8 lamps. these are quite inexpensive to buy and easy to find. i use phillips 850's. they give a lot of good light for the price, and at replacement time, they won't break the bank. you will easily be able to grow most low to mid light plants.

i purchased 2 2' aquarium fixtures from the lfs and exchanged the ballasts. the wiring diagram is on all ballasts, just watch for the socket wiring. with electronic ballasts, you only use 1 wire to the sockets, and 'shunt' them. (jump a wire from 1 side of the socket to the other)

rick

 

[angiras]

rick - thanks for the tip! I will look into that option.

-Ben