kd123 Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 Is it possible to use ordinary ceiling flourescent light fittings with the right bulbs fitted for aquariums or is there something different about the fittings sold in lfs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaNs Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 You can use them, i know other people who use them fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cichlid7 Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 thats all i use and i only use the tubes that you can buy from places like bunnings etc.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 I only use the common ones. Bright white or Daylight, depending on brand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Only the price is different but you will have to change the tubes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 I use normal light fittings and normal tubes, much MUCH cheaper than 'aquarium' ones. THough bear in mind mine are merely for illumination. I probably would use 'proper' tubes if I wanted plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Mine are used for plants. Anyone who has seen my tank knows I have lots of plants too. I use the plain daylight tubes, add no fertiliser or CO2 either, nor do I have fancy substrate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kd123 Posted March 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 Thanks people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nemines Posted March 1, 2008 Report Share Posted March 1, 2008 just remember that some of the aquarium fittings are especially designed for use around aquaria and thus have waterproof fittings etc. just make sure that whatever lighting you choose it's safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaNs Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 just remember that some of the aquarium fittings are especially designed for use around aquaria and thus have waterproof fittings etc. just make sure that whatever lighting you choose it's safe. You can buy external water proof ones. 5ft ones are about $90 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanut2110 Posted July 10, 2008 Report Share Posted July 10, 2008 Just looking back over old threads about lighting and this one basically answers my question except, how do you work out how much light you need using std fluro lights? I have to make a decision soon for the sparky as they are being built in to the new kitchen area. I will have a 655 litre glass tank (1.55m x 0.65 x0.65) which will contain sand, rocks and a range of cichlids in the main, so no plants. Can anyone give me an idea please? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon1990 Posted July 10, 2008 Report Share Posted July 10, 2008 If youre not having plants you just have whatever lighting you like the looks of lol, so maybe a couple t8 cubes somewhere between 9000k to 15000k? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WEKA Posted July 10, 2008 Report Share Posted July 10, 2008 Get your sparky to allow you to have more than one level of light. This will give you some flexibilty with lighting levels, colours etc. Instal wiring for two or three or more tubes with seperate switching options. Do it while you can!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 10, 2008 Report Share Posted July 10, 2008 Get your sparky to allow you to have more than one level of light. This will give you some flexibilty with lighting levels, colours etc. Instal wiring for two or three or more tubes with seperate switching options. Do it while you can!! Good thinking, WEKA. I'm in favour of flexible options whenever possible and it sounds like you have the ideal opportunity! You may want to change the tank in future and go for a planted tank, or a different type of fish, or (maybe when selling the house) try for a different, more lush look. I would suggest asking the sparky to install as many light fittings as can practically fit in the space, and ask for a separate switch for each light. Is there any way you can have timers installed too? That way you can choose to only use the lights you want at that moment, and perhaps have a range of different lights for different times - a moonlight look for early morning and evening, brighter lights in the middle of the day, or turn them all on for task lighting if you're doing tank maintenance. ooooh I want a built-in tank! :bounce: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richms Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Normal fittings will rust tho with the condensation on them when they are not running and are cold. Means you may replace them after 4-5 years, but by then you may need some motivation to upgrade the lighting anyway so its not all bad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 You can buy external water proof ones. 5ft ones are about $90 i think u will find most aquarium 1s are merely splashproof , and do not meet the protection standards of the type u can buy as external fittings, so these are not absolutly necessary a lot of shops use normal house hold fittings with the difusser taken off , this shouldnt be a problem if u have good lids on ur tanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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