Cheapest Lighting for a 5g

[mmoulder]

I need to light a 5g acrylic tank, cheap tank, what is the cheapest way to light it. Came with a standard medium screw base.

[Mnesarchus]

Cheapest would be one of those POS screw in PC's. But those really suck.

[tinyreef]

southern facing window (for Northern Hemisphere people), that's really cheap.

 

if you don't have the $$$ yet to go reef then hold off. stay FO or FOWLR. simply avoid the photosynthetic livestock until you can provide for their needs. the 'secret' to reefing is in the lights, period.

 

deep water stuff doesn't really count as mainstream reefing imo. they're more like species-tanks (e.g. cuttlefish/octopus, seahorse, predator, etc.).

 

don't go cheap, you'll end up regretting it and paying twice as much (if you're lucky). hth

[davefromia]

Hello there,

 

I have the same tank as you and I went with http://www.ahsupply.com/

 

They have retrokits that you just put together in your current hood. Great deal, im running 2x13 watt, with a 10k bulb and a actinic blue bulb,

 

Cycling is going good, the kits are very well priced too

 

Hope this helps

[Chamkeeper]

Bump to Tiny,

 

If you are trying to save money and keep corals, you're figthing a losing battle. For most nanos, $100 will get you a retro or complete PC hood that will suffice for lower light softies. Bear in mind there is a difference between thriving and surviving. Consider a FOWLR for getting in the habit a water changes, equipment maintenance, and the daily duties of maintaining a tank. As you learn, (and save money), the lessons and habits of maintence will only supoort your sucess once the equipment is right for the corals you'll eventually have.