I'm a noob at this topic so I don't know what works best for what. If anyone has lights they aren't using that works well for plant growth, I'd love to buy it from you, along with any tips you may have.
Homedepot sells some led grow bulbs by a company called feit electric they are amazing for growing plants in smaller tanks hope this helps
I'm always hunting for bulbs/fixtures with 6000-8000K (or cold white) spectrum for plant growth, but there is value in combining the pink "full spectrum" plant bulbs with the white bulbs if there's room over the tank.
If this is for a 4 foot tank, I would look at shop light fixtures at the hardware stores because they're already 4' long. https://www.costco.com/Feit-4'-Linkable-LED-Shop-Light-2-pack.product.100410429.html (https://www.costco.com/Feit-4'-Linkable-LED-Shop-Light-2-pack.product.100410429.html). <- this is a good deal but the spectrum is a bit warm @ 4000K.
The Sunblaster company (known for their economical, low profile t5ho fixtures) has recently released an led version in an ideal spectrum -> https://www.sunblasterlighting.com/our-products/grow-lighting/led-strip-lights/ (https://www.sunblasterlighting.com/our-products/grow-lighting/led-strip-lights/)
There are also LED spot lights designed for outdoor use in waterproof housings that I've been happy with, and there are also ~30w LED screw in indoor light bulbs that are so bright I have them raised 2' above a couple 5gallon tanks!
But there is no limit to options...as soon as we attach a few bells and whistles and a brand name to these lights, the price will go up significantly.
It would be interesting to know the size and depth of the tank, perhaps the types of plants you are wanting to grow and we can go from there.
As usual you are a wealth of information, tanks.
My tank is 90g with about 22" between the sand and the top. As for types of plants, I don't have anything that isn't currently surviving with poor lighting. I'd like to get some neat plants that won't just rot away for a change. However cost is an issue as I will only have this set up for another 2-3 years, then I'll be moving out east and selling my setup.
The costco one looks nice but it isn't the best for plant growth, right? Could you point out the cheapest okay lights you know of?
Edit-After some research, I'd love to get that one from costco but its only available in the states. :/ Know anything equal to that here?
Rachel O’Leary just posted a video as she is also redoing her fishroom lighting:
https://youtu.be/fccJurKwbZk (https://youtu.be/fccJurKwbZk)
She ended up with 5000k shoplights with a transparent cover and lifetime warranty from amazon.
Something similar:
Hykolity 4ft 40w led shop garage hanging light fixture 4200 lumens 5000k daylight white 64w fluorescent equivalent https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BTD4G9R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ks1CBbBEGR9CH (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BTD4G9R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ks1CBbBEGR9CH)
As for Costco.ca (4000k)
https://www.costco.ca/Luminus®-LED-Shoplight.product.100291849.html (https://www.costco.ca/Luminus%C2%AE-LED-Shoplight.product.100291849.html)
That's perfect. Thank you so much!