In starting up my new tank, one item I've discovered I need (this is a used setup) is new lighting. Its an older tank pre-T5 and as such only has T8 flourescents. They were the best thing out there when the tank was setup back in the 90s, but I'm lookin to get into some T5s.
Anyway, in my search to keep costs low I've discovered that building my own lights is more expensive than just buying a whole setup off of Ebay. I can get a 2x96w 36" T5 setup for $108 shipped off ebay, but if I look to build my own, the cheapest kit I can find is like $125 shipped. And if you try and build it up from scratch yourself, you're talking way into the $150 range. I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised, mass production and what not, but just figured I'd be able to go cheaper if I built my own. Do any of you know of anywhere that can beat that $108 shipped price in a kit or parts setup? TIA
Anyway, in my search to keep costs low I've discovered that building my own lights is more expensive than just buying a whole setup off of Ebay. I can get a 2x96w 36" T5 setup for $108 shipped off ebay, but if I look to build my own, the cheapest kit I can find is like $125 shipped. And if you try and build it up from scratch yourself, you're talking way into the $150 range. I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised, mass production and what not, but just figured I'd be able to go cheaper if I built my own. Do any of you know of anywhere that can beat that $108 shipped price in a kit or parts setup? TIA
