need help with diy lighting

[daltonr70]

trying to save a buck and do the lighting myself. I was thinking of going to Home Depot picking up (2) T5 HO 48in lights and going to petco to buy the t5 ho 54 watt bulbs will this work or any suggestions also would like to have some kind of night lifht/ moon light for tank

 

[HM3105]

If those T5 units don't use a program start ballast you will be burning through your bulbs faster and therefore cost more.

What type of bulbs are you looking at from Petco?

What size tank are trying to light?

 

[daltonr70]

Im not really sure about the ballast they are in there website i just serched under t5 ho lighting abd found it its 39.95 maybe you can look and you can find that info im not sure the bulbs will be 2 corelife 10000 k and 2 antic blue blubs its going on a 55 gallon

 

[daltonr70]

I know each bulb would be 54 watts giving me a total of 216 watts

 

[Reefing Madness]

Yup, that'll do ya.

 

[dan987]

I may be joining you if this works. please keep this updated so we can all get in on this.

I think the biggest significant difference will be the degree of waterproofing. make sure those lights are not gonna get water or salt.

 

[daltonr70]

Yes i've been thinking about the moisture and such i was plaving if putting a piece of plexiglass on other end of the tank to maje sure the conectors donts get wet along with keep it off the water a few more inches

 

[daltonr70]

I may be joining you if this works. please keep this updated so we can all get in on this.

I think the biggest significant difference will be the degree of waterproofing. make sure those lights are not gonna get water or salt.

I will keep you in touch if i figure out how lol im new to this fourm