Maybe a stupid question, but.........

[plkdb]

At Lowes and Home Depot, they have the workshop lights that hold 1-4 flourescents. Even have some that have the compacts. Why dont people use these for their aquariums, even with a different reflector if necessary? They have some dual units that are about 20 bucks. Why dont people use these units with other bulbs?

 

[Biggen]

Why dont people use these units with other bulbs?

Not a stupid question at all. A lot of people don't use them because they just aren't "handy" enough. To use those fixtures, one typically has to build a custom canopy to fit them in.

Second reason they aren't used is because most of those fixtures are for NO lights. Most reefs require at least VHO fluorescent lighting at a minimum. Now if you were building a FO system, they would be great!!

The PC fixtures would be great for reefs, but again, you have to be a little "handy" with tools to make it look good. I guess you could just throw the lights on top of a glass hood but it would look like crap. I am all about making my aquarium look like a work of art and not a science experiment.

 

[astride13]

Back before compacts, I had a tank with 3 48" twin bulb shop lamps from home depot. I think each bulb was only around 24 watt, but it was the only affordable way. I don't remember compacts back then, but if they were around they were very expensive. I haven't seen the compacts at home depot, but it should work fine if the ballasts are correct. An average compact ballast sells for $40.00, so if they are near that with a nice housing (an can handle the wattage needed) then they are a good bargain.