Non Aquarium Made Lights

[radioman]

So I was looking at a hardware store for a double ballast and founf one but the lights that go in it are bigger than the aquarium ones I usually buy. SSo my question is if I can just buy this regular flourecent fixture and put these flourecent lights in it that aren't specificaly made for an aquarium. Also My LFS has a linear lighting system but is a single ballast so how would I get at least 40w out of it (if it is possible).

 

[Teelie]

You can but if it isn't meant specifically for plants then it probably won't do you much good. I have used nonstandard lighting in aquariums before and it works fine but I never did it with a planted tank.

 

[radioman]

I have a 36 gallon bowfront tank and am having a really hard time finding lighting for it right now I have a 20w in the hood but cant find any hoods that will hold 2 flourecent tubes they have a linear at my lfs that is 24" which is what I need but it can only hold a single tube will the linear work with a single tube at 20w for my tank I at least want 2 wpg.

 

[frozenbarb]

Go ahead and have fun.. Your better off making your own.. unless you want to buy one.

try to make a metal Hailde.. its perfect for a bowfront

 

[Musho3210]

wpg is crap, watts is a measure on how much electricity is used, not how much light is produced.

 

[Teelie]

True, watts isn't the best measurement but it's still one to take into consideration. You don't want to try sticking the wrong wattage into a socket.

If you're in the US, Fosters and Smith is the best place I've found to get bulbs. The Aqua-Glo bulb is pretty good. High in the right spectrum for plants.