Home made light systems

[whacky]

Can any one that uses a diy light system give me an idea to how to go about making one.

I want a cheap effective way of lighting my planted tank

 

[mrV]

I didn't want to pay lot for/of(?) lighting, so i made it myself.

There is 5*36W fluorecent lamp. I used Arcadia unit: http/www.arcadia-uk.com/en/210ip67.html So i needed to buy 5*controller.

IP67 is good for using in aquarium light system.

 

[Great Lakes]

Whacky, what size tank, how much wattage are you looking for? And how much control do you want over them?

 

[whacky]

initially im looking to make it for a 4 ft planted so 2 watts per gallon, but my 6ft is sat there saying make a stand install a sump turn me into a reef tank. However im wanting to do it as economically as possible for equipment so i can invest more on live rock etc

 

[Great Lakes]

Whacky, the largest hurdle to overcome with a good lighting system is having the hood or canopy to contain all the pieces parts. Once you have accomplished this, here is where I got my info on overdriven flourescents. Bright Lights
I have been using this set up on my reef tank to great success for six months now. I am about to use the same principal over my tropical 65gal as soon as I make the canopy for it. I believe I have approximately 125 dollars into it, and the return is in the neighborhood of 500 watts. You don't have to go to this level for tropical, just a two lamp poor mans VHO system would do wonders, and still be reasonable.