eykis9
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I planning to set up a 20 gal planted tank very soon and am looking at possibly using the DIY method for the lights. In order to have optimal lighting conditions I understand that I need 3+ watts per gallon, which would be, at the very least, 60 watts. On the AHS website (http://www.ahsupply.com) I see they have kits of various sizes however, I’m a little funcused about what exactly I need for this project. I’m assuming I should go with the “2 x 36 watt Bright Kit”, which would give me plenty of light at 72 watts, right?
Assuming that info is correct & in figuring my costs, I can’t help but wonder why anyone would bother going this route? Am I calculating something wrong here?
2 x 36 watt Bright Kit ----------------------------$63
36 Watt 6700K Compact Fluorescent bulb ---- $16 ea
MIRO 4 Reflector 17.5"L x 4"W x 2"H ----------$16
Shipping and Handling---------------------------$10
TOTAL -------------------------------------- --- =$105
Then there’s the added cost of the wood and other odds and ends plus the time and trouble to put it all together.
I checked out the cost of a Compact Fluorescent Strip Light at : http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=3773
And see I can just buy a 55w Strip (a little shy of 60w) for about $80 (not including shipping).
I had the impression that the DIY method was a lot cheaper.
Am I missing something here?
Thanks!
:?
Assuming that info is correct & in figuring my costs, I can’t help but wonder why anyone would bother going this route? Am I calculating something wrong here?
2 x 36 watt Bright Kit ----------------------------$63
36 Watt 6700K Compact Fluorescent bulb ---- $16 ea
MIRO 4 Reflector 17.5"L x 4"W x 2"H ----------$16
Shipping and Handling---------------------------$10
TOTAL -------------------------------------- --- =$105
Then there’s the added cost of the wood and other odds and ends plus the time and trouble to put it all together.
I checked out the cost of a Compact Fluorescent Strip Light at : http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=3773
And see I can just buy a 55w Strip (a little shy of 60w) for about $80 (not including shipping).
I had the impression that the DIY method was a lot cheaper.
Am I missing something here?
Thanks!
:?