Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning on getting some 4ft shop lights, but I am confused on many things. I am planning to use 6 bulbs for my plants, but for my tanks I'm planning on using 2. I plan on getting the 40 watts bulbs. But my main question is what fixture do I get?

There are so many different type of fixtures, Lithomian, regular ones, etc. Different type of ballast, and just many different thing.

Which one is the best to use?
-----
-_^

>>I'm planning on getting some 4ft shop lights, but I am confused on many things. I am planning to use 6 bulbs for my plants, but for my tanks I'm planning on using 2. I plan on getting the 40 watts bulbs. But my main question is what fixture do I get?
>>
>>There are so many different type of fixtures, Lithomian, regular ones, etc. Different type of ballast, and just many different thing.
>>
>>Which one is the best to use?
>>-----
>>-_^

if i were you i would just go to home depot and get there $7 fixtures and some some hi lums bulbs and over drive them and you will get a lot of light for cheap

Go to home depot or lowes, and get a $7-8 shop light, then get 2 40W Sylvania full spectrum lights ($6-7). They are 5000k, and seem very nice. I just bought this setup for 2 of my tanks for about $22. Can't go wrong for the price. I also pickd up a 5 shelf chrome ($78) rack. I will have to take a picture after I am finished moving the room around. I should be able to hold a good number of tanks with this.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

I gave up on the shop light method, it is nice for a while and is inexpensive but you will get tired of them unless you are making a rack system. I just ordered a new light setup for my new project. Power Compact 2x96w for $200. Pre assembled with fan and 6700k bulbs ready to go, no fuss, no mess. If you look at the price of retro kits from AHsupply and add the cost of the bulbs you will nearly be at this price anyway plus you have to do the assembly and find an enclosure.

Just my opinion of course, many people prefer to make a custom hood (as I would if I had the time).

joe
-----
3.0.1 Tinc Patricias
0.0.5 Aurotaenia
0.0.2836 Pea Aphids
0.0.4392 Springtails
0.0.1842 FruitFlies

It all depends if you build the hood or not. My estimate for a 20gal hood was a little under $100.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Kyle, how high is the hood you built for your 15H? I made a hood for screw in cf but decided to go ahead and get standard cfs, and am wondering if my hood is way too high. It is 6 inches high.

Thanks,
-----
Matt

6 is just about right, mine is a little under 6.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

np
-----
Matt

I have a 55gal tank that I'm converting over from a SW tank.

I have a CSL (custom sea life) 4*96 system (dual ballis).

Would this type of lighting be too much for a few Bufo Varigatus?

Thanks.