Steve420

Hi All,

I'm getting the itch to start planting live plants in my 55 gallon community tank. Nothing too fancy...just some low to moderate lighting plants. (i'm trying to avoid the whole CO2 thingy...it kinda scares me!)

Currently my lighting is pretty lame...I basically have 2 20" incadescent lighting fixtures but I am using (4) 14W CFL bulbs (the spiral ones that screw in) Sure it looks nice, but I find it hard to believe that 56W of wimpy lighting is going to do much for plants.

So I was searching around on the internet and came across this sale at DrsFosterSmith. The price almost seems too good to be true and its kinda hard to pass up. (Of course, I have to get the CFO (wife) to sign off on my expense ;-)

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...71&pcatid=9871

I'm looking at the 48" fixture. Anyone currently using these or had any prior experience with them? I definitely like the look of them, but don't want to waste my money on some junk lights. I know Coralife makes some good stuff....but I like to hear personal opinions/experiences.

Thanks in advance FL!
Steve

mathas

I have one that was woefully underpowered for my goals on my 90g, but it would probably be a pretty decent light for a 55g. In fact, I plan to use it on my 55g QT once I finish cleaning the tank.

At that price, it's a steal.

Steve420

Right...thats what I thought. Not sure what shipping would run, but I still think that it would be worth it.

So you think it would suffice for some low to moderate light plants, huh? That is definitely good news.

Now here is your next job mathas...you need to convince my wife that this is a great deal. Sometimes she just doesn't understand a good bargin when you see one...unless is was some shoes or something

mathas

That's the great part about DFS... they almost always charge shipping based on order price, not on package weight/size. According to this page on their website, shipping for that fixture would run $11.99 if you shipped it via standard ground shipping.

Certainly would, at least for a tank the height of a standard 55g.

Dear Steve420's wife:

Imagine you had your eye on a $200 pair of shoes. Now imagine seeing them on sale for $112.

This is that good of a deal.

Let him buy it.

Please?

Sincerely,

mathas

Steve420

Thanks for looking up the shipping costs for me! 11.99 is much better than I expected! Man..80 bucks for lights shipped is perfect

I enjoyed reading your note to my wife and I'll tell you why...

If I didn't know any better, I would swear that was my best friend sitting behind your computer typing that in. Just the way it was worded and the way it played out in my head was very coincidental.
I'll let my wife read your note and I'll keep you posted

Steve420

Good News...I'm ordering these lights tonight! This is way to good of a deal to pass up.

I do have another question regarding the mounting legs for these lights. (sorry of this is a dumb question). DFS website says NOT to use the adjustable mounting legs with a Hood or Glass Canopy? Why is that? I'm planning on buying some new glass tops for my tank soon, but don't want to order the wrong mounting legs.
Can I use a glass top with the standard mounting legs?

(link to the mouting legs is below...for reference)

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=13732

(sorry for the double post too ;-)

Steve

mathas

If you look at the picture on the link you provided, they clamp over the top frame where the glass lids would rest. I would assume that they would be in the way of any type of hood or canopy, and not allow that hood or canopy to sit flush within the top of the tank.

Steve420

But the standard (non-adjustable) ones should be fine with glass tops right?

At least, thats how I am reading into it....

mathas

I don't recall there being any type of legs that came with it. I can take a picture when I get home.

Steve420

No..your right...the legs don't come with it. But in the link above, there were 2 sets of mounting leg options.

1 - Standard Mounting Legs (set of 4)

2 - Adjustable Mounting Legs (2 pk)

The DFS site only says something about not using the adjustable ones with glass canopies...it never mentions anything about the standard option.

I appreciate all the help

mathas

Oh, I guess I should have read the entire page before commenting, eh?

Looks like the same answer, though:

http://www.oceanicsystems.com/produc...nting-legs.php
http://www.oceanicsystems.com/produc...nting-legs.php

The adjustable legs clamp over both edges of the frame, which appear like they would get in the way of a canopy or hood. The non-adjustable legs appear to just sit on the outside of the frame.

Steve420

Thanks for all your help with this one mathas!

Those last couple of links you posted help clear things up for me. I was having a hard time imagining how just those standard ones worked.

Looks like i'm going to give those a shot...although it seems a little sketchy that they just "sit" on the frame.