Hi,
I would firstly like to start off by saying how confused I am about DIY lighting. ??? As so many people have already said, I too would like to have a cheap, but effective means of alternative lighting.
Firstly, can you just buy any old light fitting, such as that in your house, and just exchange the bulb for something suited to aquatica? Or do you need specialized fittings for certain lights? And do you just screw them into the inside of your hood? I have a wooden sloping hood that came with the tank, so I have limited space at the front.
Also, what are retrofit kits, and T8 and T12, PC lights....I'm soooo confused. What's with the light spectrum and power usage???
Any information would be greatly appreciated as I'm in university at the moment and can't spend much money. BUT...my poor plants do need light!
I'm also in Australia and can't get much of the things you guys use on your tanks. My tank is 60"L x 15"w x 20"h. Currently I only have a 36" 30w light that came with the tank, so my plants are all planted under that in the middle :.
Basically I just wanted to know if you can kinda just buy normal household light fittings, like that in the kitchen, and replace the normal household flourescents, with special bulbs from the aquarium shop. Will this work? Or do you need special ballasts and stuff to have maximum output of the light.
Sorry this is so long but I am at a loss at the moment. ???Thanx for your help.
Cheers *celebratesmiley*
I would firstly like to start off by saying how confused I am about DIY lighting. ??? As so many people have already said, I too would like to have a cheap, but effective means of alternative lighting.
Firstly, can you just buy any old light fitting, such as that in your house, and just exchange the bulb for something suited to aquatica? Or do you need specialized fittings for certain lights? And do you just screw them into the inside of your hood? I have a wooden sloping hood that came with the tank, so I have limited space at the front.
Also, what are retrofit kits, and T8 and T12, PC lights....I'm soooo confused. What's with the light spectrum and power usage???
Any information would be greatly appreciated as I'm in university at the moment and can't spend much money. BUT...my poor plants do need light!
I'm also in Australia and can't get much of the things you guys use on your tanks. My tank is 60"L x 15"w x 20"h. Currently I only have a 36" 30w light that came with the tank, so my plants are all planted under that in the middle :.
Basically I just wanted to know if you can kinda just buy normal household light fittings, like that in the kitchen, and replace the normal household flourescents, with special bulbs from the aquarium shop. Will this work? Or do you need special ballasts and stuff to have maximum output of the light.
Sorry this is so long but I am at a loss at the moment. ???Thanx for your help.
Cheers *celebratesmiley*