Another Light question - not again...

Hi guys,
I'm sure some of you might be gat-vol for the simple questions about lights, and which lights to use....
But here it goes...
My tank size - 1200 * 500 * 500. (300l)

I've got a quote to get lights for this setup. (4 x 54w - Plus balast, plus fittings). All in all for 1700.
Prop not bad. But do i really need this?

I'm going low tech, but it's a heavy planted tank. (Currently outside tank - in full sunlight, planning to move tank inside)

Can I use maybe normal florecent lights? Or anything that will be a bit cheeper, but will work just as great.???
Anything that will bring out the colour of the fish, and make sure that the plants grow like bos?

My one tank in the house is using 3 80w reeftech lights, and I do have very good growth on that...
But I'm looking for a cheeper option....

Or must I just rather close my eyes - and just take the plunge and buy the T5s?

 

Shop around for T5's - if you can do a bit of home electrics,then you can save yourself a packet by buying the ballasts and bits and bobs from an electrical supply store generally...
The Reeftek's you mention is 10 000k rated or higher - look for something in the 6500k range... Aim for 1W of light per 2 liters of water and you should be fine growing most easier type of plants...

 

Hi Wandrag, if you going low tech rather get 2x 54w or 3-4 T8s (normal ceiling fittings could work). See if you can get 6500k tubes at your local electrical outlet. I'm running t8's in my low tech cube and the plants are out of control.

 

for low tech i would saw 2 x 54 watt as well, the 4 tubes will be overkill, t5's are starting to become very common now so just go to any electrical store and buy the tubes and ballasts if required as well. normal standard lights are about 6500k