using shop lights??

[UGAfan2001]

Is it possible to use a shop light for my 30 gal? maybe a 24" 2 bulb unit? Do they make these powerful enough to have at least 2.8WPG+. how would i go about doing this, just hook it up to a DIY canopy?? how much would this cost? i looked at home depot online and found only 24" rated at 20 watts. how could i make this stronger?? thanks for any help.


Brad

 

[bigfoot150]

If the bulb is rated for 20watts you aren't going to get much more out of it. Each size bulb has a standard number of watts. An 18" bulb is 15watts, a 24" bulb is 20watts, and so on... You can overdrive bulbs for a few extra watts but you will need a ballast that can handle the load.

 

[ecotank]

You basically need 2 shop lights (4 bulbs) that would give you 80 watts on your 30g or 2.6 WPG. If you can, it might be best to disassemble the shop lights and add them to a DIY hood allowing you to space the bulbs closer together for the tight fit.

Frankly after seeing the light output from the new power compact hood we got, I don't think I'll ever use anything else again. I will certainly be doing some DIY power compact setups though, not just gonna buy complete hoods for everything.

 

[UGAfan2001]

do they make power compacts in 24"? What are they rated at wattage wise? how much do they cost, and how easy are they to take apart and add to a diy setup? i want to be able to grow anything with relative ease. DIY being my only option $$ tight right now, what would you suggest i do? i have 2WPG now, and i have moneywort that seems like its not doing so hot, its starting to look, umm, like its shedding or molting maybe. is this plant a relatively easy plant to grow, i know this is the wrong forum for that last question, but its kinda on the subject of my primary ?, thanks again!!!


Brad