Lighting question

[jespenguin]

So I've been looking into upgrading my lights, but it seem super expensive, but I've come across people using shop lights for their aquariums. I was curious if this was safe, and if people really do do this. I love how inexpensive it is! Also, if I do go this route, I want to avoid co2. So should I go with a 2 light fixture with t8 bulbs, giving me 80watts, or do a florescent 4 bulb, giving me 160 watts. Oh this is over a 55 gallon too. Any suggestions?

 

[BigJim]

A two-bulb shop light is perfect for a medium light 55g. If I had a 48" tank, I'm not sure the lights over my workbench would have made it into the garage.

I've bought my shop lights at Menards. I believe they're made by American Fluorescent and called their "Titanium Shop Light" or something like that. They were about $30 a piece, a bit more expensive than most lights, but they've got pretty good reflectors. Two of these fixtures, so 160W total, light my 12ft workbench well enough for me to anything I need with no other lights. I think they'd do great on a planted tank.

 

[jespenguin]

Thanks! They even have them with oak surroundings donut won't look awkward. I think this planted thing is going to work out nicely now