David593

well I have a 55 gallon tank with two 24" hoods each with only room for one 15W light. So that gives me 0.6WPG

I feel the need to upgrade, yet i don't want to break the bank either. I need help deciding what to do and what to get. I was looking around and was amazed at how much some of these systems were. Why so much? Anyway, I have a wish-list and would like to have what's on it at the most reasonable price.

~Enough lighting for at least 2WPG (110W Total)
~Not rely on EXPENSIVE bulbs. (don't want to have an expensive replacement fee)
~Lunar lighting (probably 1st priority)
~Reasonable price

Also, since I have two 24" hhods, should i replace them with a 48" glass canopy. Because I know that one 48" unit is cheaper than two 24" units.


Thanks to all who help!

mr. Clown Loach

http://http://www.plantedtank.net/fo...-w-lights.html is a good idea for a DIY system

soldieroffortune1974

The link doesn't seem to be working.

David593

Yeah. I am also having trouble seeing the link.

David593

I found this product: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...=21889&catid=3

It looks good and better price then other I have been looking at...However, I have a few questions

~Does this seem like a fair price?
~How long do the moonlights last and an they be replaced?
~How long would the bulbs last? Is it worth the $60 dollars it would cost to replace them.

coffeebean

on my 55 gallon tank i ended up getting glass lids and two 24" coralife t5 systems. i also kept on of my hoods and have a t8 bulb in it and switch sides that it is on.

David593

I also found this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...fm?pcatid=9871

It is much cheaper but lacks the lunar lighting, which i really want. Are there any ways to add lunar lighting to this system?

David593

OK i know i keep changing my mind, but after much research I think I found the best offer for me. Its not just one system but a few things that I will need.

I will use this fixture: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...71&pcatid=9871 It is on sale at a good price. Plus, the bulbs reguire will only cost $30 dollars to replace, rather than other systems' bulbs that cost $60 to replace.

I will also get the adjustable leg mounts: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=13732

Because of the way the fixture works, i will have to get two 24" glass canopies: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=3790

Unfortunately, this system does not have moonlights. I found a solution though. If i get two of these (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=12760) it may work.

after purchasing all of these items at the price they are now, the grand total would be: $131

Now, what are your opinions on this. Would it work? Any extra suggestions?

soldieroffortune1974

You could try these lights,but you would need a canopy for them. I am doing a DIY build right now using these lights,will post all pics after build is finished. Best part,these lights are 9.95 at wal-mart 2 on the 55 gallon is 150 watts. That's 2.72 watts/gallon










These bulbs (comes in the package) are for growing plants,but the bulbs can be replaced with any T-8 24 inch bulb,cost 12 dollars each.

David593

That's interesting. I would like to see how that works out!

Steve420

I just bought all of those same exact items last week (minus the lunar lights). The coralife lights look great and light up the tank really well. It took a little adjusting to get the lights to sit on top just right (and not interfere with either my HOB filter or the glass tops opening) but I got it right.
I got my lights, tops, and legs for 110 including shipping. Its almost too good of a deal to pass up

Tommorrow I'm off to the LFS to buy my first live plants!

Master Snake

I use a $15 shop light fixture from home depot for my 55 and the plants seem to be doing wonderful! Two weeks in and many new leaves!

David593

Thanks guys. Ill look into all of those.

the57man

I did just exactly what you want to do. I have two 24" lights on my tank that set in a little frame over the glass of the tank cover. I went from 15 watts of light per fixture to 55watts per hood totaling 110 watts of light. It was like going from night to day. I used the existing hood and from the outside it looks no different. There is extra heat produced but not to where it is a problem and if it does become a problem, I have a plan to deal with it. I have posted pictures of my tank and the light hood. The right side was obviously done first. The cost to do this retro fit was about75 to 100 bucks and everything fits so good.

Attached Images

	new hood light.jpg (85.9 KB, 52 views)
	hood light.jpg (94.0 KB, 53 views)

David593

Cool! May I ask what you did and how i can do something similar?

David593

HEy. HOw does this product look. I like it because the bulbs are cheaper than the compact flouresence!
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770
Could I put the 48" model on top of a 55 gallon even with a center brace?

Finally, would these work with it...http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=12760