So I read somewhere about using a utility light fixture from Home depot or lowes for my aquarium. Anyone ever done this? Have any questions issues or concerns?
I was thinking of using this one from HD.
Lithonia Lighting All Weather 4 Ft. 2 Light T8 Fluorescent Unit Shop light - 1242ZG RE at The Home Depot
But I just read Nurse Platys post about her DIY light she did and I really like that Idea also. so now im not sure.

Well those are generally made out of metal so they might not be real safe for use around water.

My only issue with it.

Nah it hangs from the ciling, looks like a good option to me fairly cheap. And the only thing that you need to do is hang the fixture where you want it and install the bulbs.

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100G->African Cichlids:Kribensis-2,Bumblebee-2,Red Zebra-2,Elec. Yel. Labi.-2, Acei-2, Elec. Blu. Johanni-2,Peacocks-2 / Community: Australian Rainbow-3,Turquoise Rainbow-4,Dalmatian Mollies-2,white molly-1,Dojo Loaches-1/Cleaners:Chinese Algea Eaters-5/Murderers: Dinosaur Bichir-1And lots of other tanks,2-Gourims,6-Rams,1-Arrowanna,6-FW Flounder,1-Farlowella CF, 1-Spiney Eel

I followed Nurseplatys DIY. CFLs are going to be cheaper in the long run.

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i have some t12's from home depot on my 55 gallon only because the fixture and bulbs were 17 bucks. As long as they're not submerged, the metal wont matter much. CFLs are a little better but t5's are on par with CFLs. So take your pick and see what works for you! (save the boxes in case you want to return them)

Thanks for the info!! I think i'm leaning torwards NursePlattys Idea

I have used shoplights ( 4 foot flourescent fixtures) for years with no problems..... even bloomed hygrophila with them.

My concern with hanging a shop light from a chain is we have 6 Gourami's in our tank and im worried they may jump out of the water. So the more and more I think about it, the more I think maybe I should put some kind light inside the canopy.

you could get a glass canopy over the top.

You'll like glass canopies better anyway. They are actually fairly cheap also.

you could also use 1/4" square gride plastic egg crate lighting diffusers as a tank top.

I used shop lights over Fw and marine systems for years. Even had a cheapie hood over one at one time.

my .02

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fw leiden since 1979, fo salt since 1979, mixed reef 55g 2002-2009. Strong emphasis on the tank taking care of itself. Balanced with plant life, no water changes, tap water, no filters in FW. Only dosing calcium, alk, mag in marine reef tanks. http://www.aquariumforum.com/f15/my-...ods-26410.html
recent tanks (till 2009) 7 years- 10g FW leiden 7 yrs, 55g mixed reef 7, 2 yrs, 20g FW leiden, 10 g fw leiden , 29g mixed reef, current tank 55g leiden