Hello -
I've got a relatively new 55 gal that I'd like to begin planting in. The current set up is two mismatched tops with two mismatched lights, total output: 30W. I'm not planning on going high light or even med. light, I'd like to start with low-light but not hobble myself if I do decide to up the light and add CO2.
My options as I see them:
1. ebay - the oddysea 48", 260 W (I would only run one or two bulbs at a time but would be able to easily increase my light). bulbs are included and it's about $130.
1.a. MHS 48" T6 HO Aquarium Compact Lighting 216W, again, about $130
2. DIY via A H Supply. I may be reading it wrong but I think I need to get the 2x55 kit to cover all 48" of my tank. So I'd have 110 W and no room to grow. I'd need the enclosure and bulbs too so that comes to about $175. And no nifty LED lights.
3. Drs. Foster & Smith: Double-Bulb Strip Lights 48" Black, 2 bulbs gets me 80 watts, no room to grow. ~$140
4. Big Al's: Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light-48", 56 W, no room to grow - ~$60/70 if I add the LED.
Big Al's 4.a. Current USA Satellite 48" 2 x 65 Watt Power Compact-Single Strip W/2 Lunar Lights - ~$130
With all of these, I need a new top as well so I'm not factoring that into the cost.
The T-5 double strip lights from Big Al's and the two ebay deals are my front runners right now. I've read that the Oddyseas are hit and miss. If it works, it's a good deal but many have issues. If my current light holders matched I'd be more inclined to try and retrofit them but they don't so I'd rather a matching look. My tank has the center brace so I can do two 22" fixtures.
If you've made it this far, thank you! If you have any advice for me, I'd love to hear it.
TIA -
~g
edited to fix url code
I've got a relatively new 55 gal that I'd like to begin planting in. The current set up is two mismatched tops with two mismatched lights, total output: 30W. I'm not planning on going high light or even med. light, I'd like to start with low-light but not hobble myself if I do decide to up the light and add CO2.
My options as I see them:
1. ebay - the oddysea 48", 260 W (I would only run one or two bulbs at a time but would be able to easily increase my light). bulbs are included and it's about $130.
1.a. MHS 48" T6 HO Aquarium Compact Lighting 216W, again, about $130
2. DIY via A H Supply. I may be reading it wrong but I think I need to get the 2x55 kit to cover all 48" of my tank. So I'd have 110 W and no room to grow. I'd need the enclosure and bulbs too so that comes to about $175. And no nifty LED lights.
3. Drs. Foster & Smith: Double-Bulb Strip Lights 48" Black, 2 bulbs gets me 80 watts, no room to grow. ~$140
4. Big Al's: Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light-48", 56 W, no room to grow - ~$60/70 if I add the LED.
Big Al's 4.a. Current USA Satellite 48" 2 x 65 Watt Power Compact-Single Strip W/2 Lunar Lights - ~$130
With all of these, I need a new top as well so I'm not factoring that into the cost.
The T-5 double strip lights from Big Al's and the two ebay deals are my front runners right now. I've read that the Oddyseas are hit and miss. If it works, it's a good deal but many have issues. If my current light holders matched I'd be more inclined to try and retrofit them but they don't so I'd rather a matching look. My tank has the center brace so I can do two 22" fixtures.
If you've made it this far, thank you! If you have any advice for me, I'd love to hear it.
TIA -
~g
edited to fix url code