Lighting

[Canadian696]

Hi First off my father is a carpenter and has built me a hood for my tank (36 gallon ) I have to install lights so my question is it cheaper to buy a kit or is it cheaper to buy all the components sparate? Also how many 24" tubes should be in installed so that there is adequate light for my plants.

 

[Incitic]

The only kits I am aware of are complete hood kits or ballast kits. Ballasts are much cheaper as they provide the bare essentials and require you to do the work. Im sure you could pick up all the stuff individually but i imagine it wouldnt be much more than the ballast kit (correct me if Im wrong).

For the lighting, depends what you want to grow. But I'd aim for around 70 watts (4 standard, 2 overdriven or 1 VHO). Have you checked out the lighting thread in the planted tank section?