hammerjoe

Hi,

My tank is 36"L and 12"W... so if I was getting one of aqualights
systems or retrofits, 36" is the size I should be getting right?

If the answer is yes, all of the systems come with 96W bulbs.

And I would have an open tank. Not too keen on it but if it's an option
I will consider.

It's too much for my needs (either for plants and for my pocket).

Any chances of getting a 65W bulb in those?

What would you recomend, in an economic standpoint?
Not for the initial purchase but for energy consumption?

andy gasse

Hi!
It all depends what you intend to grow. With higher light comes the need for
CO2 and ferts.
I'd go for the AH Supply 2 x 36W bright kit.
http://ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
Go for the 34.5" reflector and get them to include the free plans for the
hood
This will give you just over 2 WPG and allow you to grow most plants
easily. You will need CO2 but can get away with a DIY setup. The kit will
run you about $100US plus shipping (including bulbs)
The other option is 2 36" bulbs under your own canopy.
I would suggest the following:
Philips Daylight 6500K F30T12/D/RS 30W
Also asper your previous post onthe GE Chroma 50, here's a link to a
comprehensive comparative list of the various bulbs.

hammerjoe

Thats the problem, it wouldnt work on my canopy.

The hole on my canopy is 28"X4".

So I can't have a 36" fixture unless I remove the canopy altogether.

the 2X36W retrofit would work, but $100 it's alot, considering that I
could get a 96W 36" system for that amount...

I am looking for something cheaper.

Thanks anyway for the sugestion.

hammerjoe

Hi, I have another question:

What is better financially down the road?

T5 fixture or PC??

I can get a system that either uses T5 or Pc, but I was wondering which
one is cheaper to maintain ie bulb costs?

richard

Scour surplus places for 40W CF fixtures. I found a bunch or $10 ea once,
you should be able to too. Look for places that recycle home/office fittings.

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