Can some of you lighting people help me?

[Sandz]

So I want to build a hood for my standard 55 gallon tank. I just got back from home depot scoping costs v.s. just buying a coralife fixture.

My model:
DIY LINK ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])

What I found:
* 2'x4', 3/4in thick piece of wood that could serve for the top, I need to cut it down to the appropriate depth but it should fit fine. Its just over 1ft deep so I should be able to take the back off and make sides for this as well.

Also have scrap wood for the support rim of the tank.

--Total the wood should cost around 25 bucks or less.

* I found 2 T5 light strips @ 48", two bulbs per set up @ 30watts, 30x4=120 watts in a 55 gal. I can get 3 if needed for a high light tank making 180whats (which is what I honestly want so recommendations welcome!).

--Each light fixture is 35.00

Standard tanking in LWH: 48 1/4 x12 3/4 x21

* Hinges, screws and stains all come in under 10 bucks so thats negligable.

QUESTIONS:

* Are T5's bright enough to go with only 2 fixtures and still be able to supply to high light plants?

* Is the fixture im looking at different than one used in marine fixtures? Is there a better option for cost? (I am working on a slim budget as the SO wants to not even allow this)

* Will any 48" t5 light sold at petco work in this fixture and do I need to be cognisant of the watts the light pulls v.s. the fixture?

...I am sure I will have more but I am hoping someone can give me a good run down on this.

[MCHRKiller]

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Id probably just get one of those, depending on how high of lighting you were looking to achieve.

[dbosman]

* I found 2 T5 light strips @ 48", two bulbs per set up @ 30watts, 30x4=120 watts in a 55 gal. I can get 3 if needed for a high light tank making 180whats


A single T5HO is plenty of light for a 55g tank.


--Each light fixture is 35.00
* Are T5's bright enough to go with only 2 fixtures and still be able to supply to high light plants?
* Is the fixture im looking at different than one used in marine fixtures? Is there a better option for cost? (I am working on a slim budget as the SO wants to not even allow this)

Those are T5NO 28 watt lamps, not 54 watt T5HO.
There is a much better option at a reasonable cost.
Check out your local hydroponics store. A single strip T5HO and a reflector should run about $50.00. One will do. Brands are typically Sun Blaze or Helios.


* Will any 48" t5 light sold at petco work in this fixture and do I need to be cognisant of the watts the light pulls v.s. the fixture?


No. Petco sells T5HO bulbs/tubes/lamps.

[Sandz]

Thank you both for the replys!