Is This Safe To Use For My Tank? (light Fixture)

[kevin007]

So a member told me about getting some light fixtures at home depot and I thought that was a great idea. I went there and saw a light fixture for 2 40 watt T8 Florescent tubes fixture (4 ft) for $16, I thought if I brought 2, that would be only $32 and would give me 160 watts. Is this good for a planted aquarium? If so how high do I keep the 2 fixture above the tank? (2 different heights for the 2 fixtures)

 

[George Farmer]

I would be wary of using non-aquarium electrical items near water.

Try posting this in the DIY/hardware forum too and you may get some more comprehensive replies.

 

[kevin007]

I would be wary of using non-aquarium electrical items near water.

Try posting this in the DIY/hardware forum too and you may get some more comprehensive replies.

Maybe you can possibly move this for me if this thread would be better off there, however since it is for a planted tank I thought I'd post here. Well I mean I will be hanging it from the ceiling and aquarium flourescent tubes are ...... possibly the same, I really have no idea, I want to know whether T8 is a good size? and is it easy to buy the tubes as well as thoughts from you guys, seems a lil too good to be true, it was called shop light I think

 

[mgamer20o0]

i had shop lights over my 120 gal tank for years. i would go with a t8 shop light set up. i had a canopy i was able to just screw them into. i also have another tank where its just laying over the glass.

as for being good.... its ok but i think if you got lights from ahsupply.com it would be better.

I once had a 55 gallon tank with 160 watts of shop lights over it. And it sure did look bright. But I had problems with a lot of my plants. I switched to a single 2x55 watt kit from AH Supply and actually got more usable light into the tank. Sure the shop lights gave better coverage in the tank and into the surrounding room but the AH Supply kit basically blows the light straight down into the tank where it belongs.

http/www.rexgrigg.com/light.htm

on a side note 40w bulbs are t12.... the 32w bulbs are t8 which in most cases gives out more light per watt.

 

[piper]

These lights are unlikley to be IP67 rated as such are unsafe to use near water. I would only use a light that is at least IP64 rated.

 

[kevin007]

So in other words, don't buy it?

There is this coralife brand with around 160 watt and is 48 inches which costs $150 is that worth it? Should i buy that?

 

[piper]

Yeah dont buy it.

Have you got a link to the coralife?

 

[KhaosInc]

Yeah dont buy it.

Have you got a link to the coralife?

I've been using them for years (T-12 shop lights and cheap fixtures), and never had a problem. One thing that is worth getting for them is a clear plastic sleeve, with end caps, so that if anything does break, nothing gets in to your tank.

Also make sure you run everything through a GFI

 

[mgamer20o0]

if thats all you can afford then get it. its better then nothing. 3 plus years and never a problem. CF is going to be better more efficient but more money. another good thing with a t8 set up is the ability to over drive them to get even more light out of them for a low price.