Diy Lighting Help

[FishGO]

Hey everyone!
 
So a couple of weeks ago I picked up a 4ft x 1.2 ft 155L home made tank. It came with a home made hood with no lighting. So.. I have just ordered some of the things ill need for it and next on the list is ofcourse my lighting. Ive looked around a bit and for the most part I keep finding extremely expensive options. Until I found something like this..
 
http/www.wickes.co.uk/4ft-waterproof-fluorescent+tube/invt/162289/
 
Is this any use? I understand the bulb only produces 3500k and I'm reading I want closer to double that but if I fit this to the hood will it cause any problems? I plan on having a lightly planted tank. Anyone have some other options? Or will this suffice and simply purchase a new bulb? Are there any heat issues, common problems?
 
Thanks in advance!

 

[SLIM]

I personally wouldnt use this. You want something like this http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcadia-Electronic-Controller-for-T5-Flourescent-Tubes-/130708919676?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&var=&hash=item1e6edbd57c

 

[SO19Firearms]

It would probably work, but not ideal.....

I'd be inclined to get something like a Hagen GLO ballast and a couple of tubes from Lampspecs. Even a second hand GLO unit if you need too. You have something with a plug that's waterproof and up to the task then - with your choice of T5 tubes....

EDIT: Or the above

 

[SLIM]

Your need the 24-39w version and ideally 6000k-8000k colour temp tubes for growing plants

It would probably work, but not ideal.....I'd be inclined to get something like a Hagen GLO ballast and a couple of tubes from Lampspecs. Even a second hand GLO unit if you need too. You have something with a plug that's waterproof and up to the task then - with your choice of T5 tubes....EDIT: Or the above

+1 lol

 

[FishGO]

Great thanks guys! And am I right in thinking I can determine where the clips for the tubes are positioned and they are just screwed in/attached to whatever surface? Just struggling to see how im going to set it up (hard to explain)
on the DIY hood. For instance if I required 3ft bulbs as 4ft is slightly too long can this be done?
 

 
Appreciate the help people!

 

[SLIM]

Clip the clips onto the tubes. Place them where you want them. Mark out screw holes then screw the tube clips in place. They can be mounted on pretty much anything anywhere. 39w tubes are approx 3ft and yes this would be fine. Your prob need 2 39w tubes tho

 

[FishGO]

Clip the clips onto the tubes. Place them where you want them. Mark out screw holes then screw the tube clips in place. 39w tubes are approx 3ft and yes this would be fine. Your prob need 2 39w tubes tho

 
Cant thank you enough mate, apologies about the silly questions! Will be sure to put up some pics when its done

 

[SLIM]

Clip the clips onto the tubes. Place them where you want them. Mark out screw holes then screw the tube clips in place. 39w tubes are approx 3ft and yes this would be fine. Your prob need 2 39w tubes tho

 
Cant thank you enough mate, apologies about the silly questions! Will be sure to put up some pics when its done

No problem

 

[FishGO]

Hey everyone
 
So I went with the Glo T5 Electronic Double Ballast 2 x 24W. Got it delivered for £30 so not bad price atall. Decided to just go for some java moss and the odd plant that requires low light.. Cant see this being a problem? Will put up some pictures once its all here and can show off my 100% home made tank

 

[SLIM]

The moss should be fine mate. Just bare in mind it will grow really slowly under low light. Cant wait to see pics of this home made tank XD hurry up n get the camera out lol

 

[FishGO]

The moss should be fine mate. Just bare in mind it will grow really slowly under low light. Cant wait to see pics of this home made tank XD hurry up n get the camera out lol

 
If anything that suits me more to be honest mate, All ive got is time But yeah just got a few things to sort out so a week or 2 and ill get a little topic up
 
Appreciated all the help guys! Lets hope it pays off