How can I save money?

[Japola44]

Everytime I look at this form it makes me realizes how much I'd love a planted tank (my 55 is planted, but I mean highlights, CO2 the whole deal). I get all these ideas for my new 50gal, but then the sudden reality of it all hits me $$$. Exactly what i don't have a lot of, I had to quit my job to start conditioning my horse for the eventing season. I spend 6 days a week at the barn now.
Does anyone know of a way I could get my hands on things like a used regulator for a CO2 tank, or used CF light strips. Those would be my 2 biggest problems as far as expensses.
Do any of have suggestions for a good place to buy this stuff online, or from someone on aquabid. I'm pretty handy when it comes to putting stuff together so even something like a retro fit kit you could suggest.
Also, I was googling CO2 tanks, and I found this site beveragefactory.com they sell a 5lb tank for $50 new. Is that a good price or a good size for a 50gal? A teacher at my school teaches a welding class. So, I'm sure if i talked to her she could help me out with a lot of the CO2 tank stuff.
Well any suggestion you could give me would be loved.

 

[nitrous]

best way to buy stuff cheap is ebay or aquabid proly ebay tho becuase if you buy it from a retailer itll run you up if ebay doesnt help try a hardware store for shop lights see what they have

heres some you make like
http://cgi.ebay.com/96-watt-power-c...749448287QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-HIGH-C...749677865QQcategoryZ46314QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Japola44]

i got my 55gal tank's light strip from lowes for like 12 bucks, and the bulbs for 6, but I don't think they sell CF light strips at hardware stores

 

[nitrous]

ya that was my problem, they didnt even have sockets for the cf and their light strips you have to wire yourself so that made me back off but i think ima do it

 

[Japola44]

Well i looked online at grow lights, and i might just go with a metal haliade light. Unlike the MH light setups they sell for aquariums its about $100 dollars inseted of $300...still kinda steep, but better than spending up to $200 on a CF light strip. I can hang it from the ceiling because its going to be setup in our unfinished basement, so i have the rafters to hang it from. I think it will be worh the money. I just need to start earning money from my parents here and there, and maybe give some riding leasons to younger kids at my barn.
I hope the teacher at my school will help me with the CO2 stuff.

if you guys have anymore suggestions please let me know!

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

T8's are better for output then CF You can look into ODNO. an ODNO4x dual T8 fixture (3.5" wide) can output 128W of brighter light. for about 65-70$ and the bulbs are only 6$ definately worth googling (try "ODNO fluorescent")

 

[jerman]

I got my 47gal acrylic corner tank with stand, CF, and hood for $75 of craigslist. Its like an ebay but just for you general location

 

[Japola44]

i have looked on craigs list, but most the aquarium stuff is the tank and everything i really just need the lights and CO2 regulator.

I found this site when i googled ODNO Fluorescent
http://www.gwapa.org/articles/ODNO/
Has anyone here done this before? Shope lights are pretty cheap, i got my 55gal's for i think $12.

ok so looking around some more...
If my math is correct here are the specs on MH and T5
T5 H.O. 6500K Fluorescent Tube 5000 lumens, 54 watts

5000/54=92.59
92.59/57(NO LPW*)= 1.62
T5(54watt) is 62% Brighter than a NO
LPW (lumens per watt)

MH 6500K 22,000 lumens, 250 watts

22000/250=88
88/57=1.54
MH(250watt) is 54% brighter than NO

So, obviously the better lighting would be the T5
a 2 light T5 would be 3.24 wpg.
I found a 4' light strip that holds 2 bulbs for $170, good deal? Any one know of a cheap retro fit kit for T5's?
Sorry this reply is a little jumpy, but i have been doing a lot of searches while writing it.

*edit* fixed %

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Metal Halide is a different class then fluorescent. Like looking for the biggest apple on the orange shelf.. They use an ARC to create light, they do NOT use phosphors.. They are a smooth spectrum (no spikes)..

I have a 2xODNO fixture (2 x T8).. Bulbs get a bit warm, but nothing that is that concerning. http://www.geocities.com/teeley2/overdrv1.html was what I looked at.

 

[Japola44]

ok now for regulators...
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulators/co2-premium.shtml
do you think any of these would work? They are pretty cheap.
What requirements do i need for a CO2 regulator, and what other equipment should i get.
What kind of diffuser do i need? Do i need a bubble counter? etc.. I have looked for some articles on this but most didn't really answer these questions understandably lol.

 

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I recommend powered reactors. they work best if you have a cannister filter. I use a phosban reactor, but it needs certain plumbing to work.

a regulator must be around 15-20PSI output, even the cheapest one there looks good, but you'll need to replace the 3/8" barb for one that is 1/8"ID.

Bubble counters are not necessary, but they really help with figuring out how fast your outputting. also a needle valve is good for fine tuning making the milwaukee kit a bit cheaper..

 

[Japola44]

ok thanks! i was really worried about having to spend 80 dollars on a regulator. After searching some more i found some good sites that have links to places that sell needle valves at pretty good prices. I think i might just make a DIY bubble counter out of a spice jar like one site suggests.
What size CO2 tank would be good for a 50gal tank, with about 3.5wpg? On monday I am going to go into school early to talk to the teacher that theaches welding about getting a CO2 tank. I guess the shop they do the welding at is really close to my school so thats good.