Lighting my new tank with shop lights.

[Aaron]

Since I got a larger tank for my anubias plant. I was
wondering about the shop light. I looked on google and some
people use them, is that good enough? I plan on getting other
plants, even high light requiring ones.

I was at the hardware store earlier and the lights don't cost
too much, but I can't find the sunshine bulb that was
mentioned.

Thanks for the info.

[Nick Wise]

Aaron wrote:
> Since I got a larger tank for my anubias plant. I was
> wondering about the shop light. I looked on google and some
> people use them, is that good enough? I plan on getting other
> plants, even high light requiring ones.
>
> I was at the hardware store earlier and the lights don't cost
> too much, but I can't find the sunshine bulb that was
> mentioned.
>
> Thanks for the info.

What size tank? What kind of shop lights? Do they have one or two
bulbs, how long are they, etc.....

[Aaron]

60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
lights.

In article <1113513528.082561.122180
@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com>, says...
>
> Aaron wrote:
> > Since I got a larger tank for my anubias plant. I was
> > wondering about the shop light. I looked on google and some
> > people use them, is that good enough? I plan on getting other
> > plants, even high light requiring ones.
> >
> > I was at the hardware store earlier and the lights don't cost
> > too much, but I can't find the sunshine bulb that was
> > mentioned.
> >
> > Thanks for the info.
>
> What size tank? What kind of shop lights? Do they have one or two
> bulbs, how long are they, etc.....
>
>

[Elaine T]

Aaron wrote:
> 60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
> lights.
>
> In article <1113513528.082561.122180
> @l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com>, says...
>
>>Aaron wrote:
>>
>>>Since I got a larger tank for my anubias plant. I was
>>>wondering about the shop light. I looked on google and some
>>>people use them, is that good enough? I plan on getting other
>>>plants, even high light requiring ones.
>>>
>>>I was at the hardware store earlier and the lights don't cost
>>>too much, but I can't find the sunshine bulb that was
>>>mentioned.
>>>
>>>Thanks for the info.
>>
>>What size tank? What kind of shop lights? Do they have one or two
>>bulbs, how long are they, etc.....
>>
>>
I lit a 55 with a mix of a shop light sitting on a glass canopy and
sunlight. It worked fine. I spray painted the shop light black with
Rustoleum to match the tank stand. If you want to grow high light
plants, you will need two lights for a 60 gallon, for a total of four
40W tubes.

--
Elaine T __
http://eethomp.com/fish.html <'__><
rec.aquaria.* FAQ http://faq.thekrib.com

[[email protected]]

I grow java fern in my big tank with a shop light. 48", 2 bulbs, 1 bulb
25 watt, the other a 40 watter. Am trying some anubias and crypts as
well now. Later!

[Ozdude]

"Aaron" > wrote in message
a.net...
>
> Since I got a larger tank for my anubias plant. I was
> wondering about the shop light. I looked on google and some
> people use them, is that good enough? I plan on getting other
> plants, even high light requiring ones.
>
> I was at the hardware store earlier and the lights don't cost
> too much, but I can't find the sunshine bulb that was
> mentioned.
>
> Thanks for the info.

I use 2 X 36W tubes (1 Plant Spectrum and 1 Philips Aquarelle) in a shop
light fitting on a 4ft tank.

The plants going gangbusters and growing like mad, so yes you can use those
types of fittings ;)

Oz

--
My Aquatic web Blog is at http://members.optusnet.com.au/ivan.smith

[Nick Wise]

Actually, shop lights come in 1,2,3,4 and 8 foot lengths. I suggest
you buy 2 or three double bulb shop lights. That should work out fine.

[Bill Stock]

"Aaron" > wrote in message
a.net...
>
> Since I got a larger tank for my anubias plant. I was
> wondering about the shop light. I looked on google and some
> people use them, is that good enough? I plan on getting other
> plants, even high light requiring ones.
>
> I was at the hardware store earlier and the lights don't cost
> too much, but I can't find the sunshine bulb that was
> mentioned.
>
> Thanks for the info.

I built the lights for both of my tanks.

Tank 1 is a 3' 55 gallon. I lit this with a kit from AH Supply. Very nice,
easy to build.

Tank 2 is a 4' 75 gallon. I lit this with 2x 2 light T8 shop lights. I ended
up stripping out the ballast and sockets and building them into my own hood.
I didn't really save much, as the T8 lights are not as cheap. Plus it was a
bit of a PITA to make my own reflector and attach the sockets. But I should
save on bulbs in the long run.

[Cichlidiot]

Aaron > wrote:

> 60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
> lights.

You'll need to know a couple things. First see what diameter (T12, T8,
etc) bulbs your shop light fixture uses. This should be in the
docmentation for the fixture or you can ask the store where you bought it.
Also see if it uses a magnetic or electronic ballast. This will determine
what kind of bulbs you can buy.

[Aaron]

I want the cheap ones that people hang in the shop and buy the
standard size, I saw some for $15 that will fit 2 bulbs. I
don't know what T size that is. But I saw in the store a plant
bulb with pictures of plants that looks standard size.

Thanks for the info.

In article >,
says...
> Aaron > wrote:
>
> > 60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
> > lights.
>
> You'll need to know a couple things. First see what diameter (T12, T8,
> etc) bulbs your shop light fixture uses. This should be in the
> docmentation for the fixture or you can ask the store where you bought it.
> Also see if it uses a magnetic or electronic ballast. This will determine
> what kind of bulbs you can buy.
>

[Glenn]

There is no difference in a fixture or the ballast for any T12 or T8 NO
bulbs. Shop light fixtures will take either one just fine, and the ballast
will start either one just fine.
Shop lights are cheap, and that is due mainly to the fact that they use
magnetic ballasts and cheap looking fixtures. If you don't mind the way
they look, then go for it.
If you decide that you want electronic ballasts, which have instant start,
can run the bulbs using less electricity, make the bulbs last longer, and
burn brighter in many cases--you can upgrade the ballasts. You may even
want to consider upgrading the whole fixture to improve looks.
"Aaron" > wrote in message
.net...
>
> I want the cheap ones that people hang in the shop and buy the
> standard size, I saw some for $15 that will fit 2 bulbs. I
> don't know what T size that is. But I saw in the store a plant
> bulb with pictures of plants that looks standard size.
>
> Thanks for the info.
>
> In article >,
> says...
>> Aaron > wrote:
>>
>> > 60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
>> > lights.
>>
>> You'll need to know a couple things. First see what diameter (T12, T8,
>> etc) bulbs your shop light fixture uses. This should be in the
>> docmentation for the fixture or you can ask the store where you bought
>> it.
>> Also see if it uses a magnetic or electronic ballast. This will determine
>> what kind of bulbs you can buy.
>>

[kev]

On 16 Apr 2005, the world was enlightened by Glenn's opinion about...

>"Aaron" > wrote in message
> .net...
>>
>> I want the cheap ones that people hang in the shop and buy the
>> standard size, I saw some for $15 that will fit 2 bulbs. I
>> don't know what T size that is. But I saw in the store a plant
>> bulb with pictures of plants that looks standard size.
>>
>> Thanks for the info.
>>
>> In article >,
>> says...
>>> Aaron > wrote:
>>>
>>> > 60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
>>> > lights.
>>>
>>> You'll need to know a couple things. First see what diameter (T12, T8,
>>> etc) bulbs your shop light fixture uses. This should be in the
>>> docmentation for the fixture or you can ask the store where you bought
>>> it.
>>> Also see if it uses a magnetic or electronic ballast. This will
>>> determine what kind of bulbs you can buy.
>>>
>
>
> There is no difference in a fixture or the ballast for any T12 or T8 NO
> bulbs. Shop light fixtures will take either one just fine, and the
> ballast will start either one just fine.
> Shop lights are cheap, and that is due mainly to the fact that they use
> magnetic ballasts and cheap looking fixtures. If you don't mind the way
> they look, then go for it.
> If you decide that you want electronic ballasts, which have instant
> start, can run the bulbs using less electricity, make the bulbs last
> longer, and burn brighter in many cases--you can upgrade the ballasts.
> You may even want to consider upgrading the whole fixture to improve

Some retailers like Wal-Mart (Lights of America) and Home Depot (Commercial
Electric) sell shop lights that have electronic ballasts for under $15. Be
sure to check the packaging. The ballasts are not WorkHorse or Icecap
grade but they are electronic. I have 2 of the LoA faux stainless fixtures
over my 55g and they work well.


kev

--
Civilization.

An organized system of alternatives to the stone age - CJCherryh

[huytonhead]

kev Wrote:
> On 16 Apr 2005, the world was enlightened by Glenn's opinion about...
> -
> "Aaron" wrote in message
> .net...-
>
> I want the cheap ones that people hang in the shop and buy the
> standard size, I saw some for $15 that will fit 2 bulbs. I
> don't know what T size that is. But I saw in the store a plant
> bulb with pictures of plants that looks standard size.
>
> Thanks for the info.
>
> In article ,
> says...-
> Aaron wrote:
>
> 60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
> lights.
>
> You'll need to know a couple things. First see what diameter (T12,
> T8,
> etc) bulbs your shop light fixture uses. This should be in the
> docmentation for the fixture or you can ask the store where you
> bought
> it.
> Also see if it uses a magnetic or electronic ballast. This will
> determine what kind of bulbs you can buy.
> --
>
>
> There is no difference in a fixture or the ballast for any T12 or T8
> NO
> bulbs. Shop light fixtures will take either one just fine, and the
> ballast will start either one just fine.
> Shop lights are cheap, and that is due mainly to the fact that they
> use
> magnetic ballasts and cheap looking fixtures. If you don't mind the
> way
> they look, then go for it.
> If you decide that you want electronic ballasts, which have instant
> start, can run the bulbs using less electricity, make the bulbs last
> longer, and burn brighter in many cases--you can upgrade the
> ballasts.
> You may even want to consider upgrading the whole fixture to improve-
>
> Some retailers like Wal-Mart (Lights of America) and Home Depot
> (Commercial
> Electric) sell shop lights that have electronic ballasts for under $15.
> Be
> sure to check the packaging. The ballasts are not WorkHorse or Icecap
> grade but they are electronic. I have 2 of the LoA faux stainless
> fixtures
> over my 55g and they work well.
>
>
> kev
>
> --
> Civilization.
>
> An organized system of alternatives to the stone age - CJCherryh
i have been on a website called plantedtank.com and there was something
on ther eabout using shoplights and it said that they were no good as
the light is not concentrated enough.


--
huytonhead

[kev]

On 17 Apr 2005, the world was enlightened by huytonhead's opinion about...


> i have been on a website called plantedtank.com and there was something
> on ther eabout using shoplights and it said that they were no good as
> the light is not concentrated enough.
>

Lucky for me my plants have never been to plantedtank.com. ;)

I'm using two Lights of America shoplights with two, T12, 40watt bulbs in
each. Two GE 6500K daylights and two GE Plant & Aquarium wide-spectrums.
My plants are doing very well. Could I have better reflectors? Sure. But
what I have now works well enough.

--
kev

Gravity. It isn't just a good idea. It's the law. - Gerry Mooney, 1977.

[grahamw48]

I want the cheap ones that people hang in the shop and buy the
standard size, I saw some for $15 that will fit 2 bulbs. I
don't know what T size that is. But I saw in the store a plant
bulb with pictures of plants that looks standard size.

Thanks for the info.

In article ,
says...
Aaron wrote:

60gallon, the tank is 4 feet long which is the size of shop
lights.

You'll need to know a couple things. First see what diameter (T12, T8,
etc) bulbs your shop light fixture uses. This should be in the
docmentation for the fixture or you can ask the store where you bought it.
Also see if it uses a magnetic or electronic ballast. This will determine
what kind of bulbs you can buy.



Surely there is a safety issue here ?
Proper aquarium lighting is designed to be used in a 'wet' environment.

The units are double-insulated, and provided with waterproof end caps.

Wouldn't want you or your fish to be electrocuted !

[[email protected]]

Shoplights work just fine dude, trust me, I have been using shoplights
on my silver dollar (for over a year) and turtle tanks with no
corrosion or any shocks or electrocutions. Just use glass or a
transparent sheet of plastic under the shoplights if you are so
concerned and/or use a gfci and/or use a power strip and switch off the
electricity before touching it. All you need is basic simple common
sense to never be electrocuted or shocked by an aquarium. Besides - my
elcheapo shop lights are fully grounded which is a good basic safety
mechanism. Graham - I suggest you calm down, sit down, unbelt and unzip
your pants and just relax. [snicker] Later!

[Warner B]

I thought turtles need uv light? Shouldn't you use vita lite
for them?

In article <1114392117.284776.52900
@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com>, says...
> Shoplights work just fine dude, trust me, I have been using shoplights
> on my silver dollar (for over a year) and turtle tanks with no
> corrosion or any shocks or electrocutions. Just use glass or a
> transparent sheet of plastic under the shoplights if you are so
> concerned and/or use a gfci and/or use a power strip and switch off the
> electricity before touching it. All you need is basic simple common
> sense to never be electrocuted or shocked by an aquarium. Besides - my
> elcheapo shop lights are fully grounded which is a good basic safety
> mechanism. Graham - I suggest you calm down, sit down, unbelt and unzip
> your pants and just relax. [snicker] Later!
>
>

[[email protected]]

I use a 48 inch t12 reptisun connected to the shoplight (the shoplight
chassis did not come with any bulbs so I bought a reptisun and a bulk
package of 40 watt t12 48 inch bulbs/tubes, but yes - you are right)
and 1 40 watt standard fluorescent t12 48 inch tube. Yes - the
shoplight runs a reptisun and a standard fluorescent tube at the same
time. The turtle tank also has a basking light used for a few hours
each day.

[Warner B]

Turtles also like it nice and hot. I had kept turtles indoor,
and sometimes they get skin fungus, they also tear up the tank
and munch on the plants. When I kept them outside, they love
it. Fungus went away and they stretch out their legs and bask
for hours and get really dark and hot. I have one that is out
there many years and its shell is thick and dark like an old
oak. He also survived the dog attack, when 2 others died; even
a small hole in the shell is dangerous because it can drain
them. They are interesting and hardy when taken care of.

In article <1114465718.283111.195230
@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>, says...
> I use a 48 inch t12 reptisun connected to the shoplight (the shoplight
> chassis did not come with any bulbs so I bought a reptisun and a bulk
> package of 40 watt t12 48 inch bulbs/tubes, but yes - you are right)
> and 1 40 watt standard fluorescent t12 48 inch tube. Yes - the
> shoplight runs a reptisun and a standard fluorescent tube at the same
> time. The turtle tank also has a basking light used for a few hours
> each day.
>
>