cheap lighting build

[JPKeenan]

I posted this on Plant Geek too cause I want to get feedback.

The thing is super freaking ugly. I need to get some new rechargeable batteries to take some pics of it.

I also know there is confusion on some parts about the watts per gallon. It is based on t8 tubes. So I am wondering what sort of watts per gallon I am getting.

OK was looking for a cheap quick fix to getting a ton of light into my 20g planted tank.

There were power strips on sale for like $3. Some bulb to outlet sockets (screw in the bulb and it connects right into an outlet) for $1.40. I cut some 1 by boards.

I made a box with shiny foil on it, put the power strip in it, attached some (3) 14w daylight bulbs into the sockets. They are the spiral daylight kind, the curly kind like you would use in a lamp. They are 60w equivalent.

I have sand as a substrata in my tank.

The tank is now giving off a ton of light. Any thoughts on this cheap idea? I might make one for my other tanks as the price is right.