GARF Lighting

[rjmurd]

Im setting up a shroom tank- probably 48 across in my basement so I dont care about looks, just functionality. I dont have money for LED's yet, and I dont want to run my PC's that I already have due to the bulb cost or do I want to buy a new fixture.

So I ran across a website called GARF where they grow/propagate corals in idaho. They have a youtube video on how to make cheap lights for 30$ at home depot. I think Im going to try it. Heres the link to the video.

What do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILxbp_LW9_Y

Please realize I really only care about start up costs, I dont think the running costs will be too much.

[my2girls]

I'm no electrician, but it seems like a fire hazard. Ghetto for sure. Maybe you can find a used T5 retro on RC for cheap. Waterproof end caps, reflectors, wiring harness, etc. JMO

[mtc1966]

may not be the prettiest but i see no problems with the set up.

[rjmurd]

Definatly ghetto and ugly, but, its going in the far basement where only I will see it, so not worried at all about looks. Just seeing what people thought about it besides looks.

[BubbaBoBobBrain]

It actually sounds pretty interesting. What type of bulbs are they using from Home Depot?

[my2girls]

The problem is that when one bulb goes out they are all wired together. With end caps, you simply change the bad bulb.

[Mike_Diako]

I am usually the type to find the cheapest way to do something however, that just seems hokey lol. Personally, I would see if you can find a cheap "shop light" fixture at Home Depot etc.

[rjmurd]

The guy says that when he makes the lights (wire and dip in plastic), he normally makes 10+ at a time. After a year, he snips the wires, and rewire 4 new ones. He was buying a 10 pack at Home Depot for 20 dollars, they were phillips 40 watt 48 inch t-12 or t-8's.

[Mike_Diako]

Here's a cheap t8 fixture. I can't imagine the ballast that he's using would be much cheaper than that.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202052422/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=shop%20light&storeId=10051

[rjmurd]

Forgot to mention they are 6500k bulbs and some actinic bulbs thrown in

[tuckerhoang]

I have a 4 bulb T8 fixture I can give you free.i live near Puppy center