Aquarium Lighting

[Phenz]

i can't get my head around how expensive aquarium lighting is, i can't work out if there is something i'm missing. I've done lots of reading and i need 100W of around 6500k light...

for my 4ft tank...

3x 36Watt 48 Inches Long Activa Fluorescent Tubes T8 = £20

3x light fittings = £6

3x ballast = £60

for my diy setup, cable, starters, guttering, switches etc...

its going to be about £100 - which is the same price as an arcadia luminaire T8 which is basically what i'm trying to replicate.

is there something i'm missing, or have i got my prices wrong?

 

[Phenz]

Anyone?

 

[SkiFletch]

Well I can't comment about UK prices, but for US prices, its tough to beat the prices of some luminaires by assembling from parts. Its kind of like building a car from parts. Sure you can order them all, but by the time you put it together you've spent way more than it costs to buy one off the lot .

Many times Halide lighting can be built cheaper than pre-made fixtures, but flourescents allready seem to be pushing the lower envelope of pricing.

 

[SuperColey1]

2 x 55W T5 (22") PC ballast (Starter Units) Interpet from Tamar Aquatics website £20 each + postage

www.tamaraquatics.co.uk

2 x 55W daylight plus bulbs £7.49 from www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk + postage

More wattage (only by 2W but realistically a lot more because T5 and PC is more efficient)

Take less room, last longer etc.etc.etc.

Have a look

I have a single 1 x 55W in mine accompanying a 1 x 18W T8 (although I have this working off an electronic ballast)

The 55W is the DBs

andy