lighting for canopy

[dropem]

im making canopy for my tank but i was wondering about the lights for it...can u use a regular balist as long as u use aquarium bulbs?
please help

 

[bildotang]

It's my understanding that regular ballasts and aquatic bulbs don't really mix. I would suggest investing the money in a decent set of power compacts or metal halides. It's a little more money upfront, but well worth it in the long run.

 

[jlem]

If you want to use normal output bulbs then you can get a 2 bulb retrofit kit for about $30.00, or you can just mount a 2 bulb $5.00 shoplight fixture from walmart and put the aquarium bulbs in that. You won't be able to keep anything more than mushrooms probably but if you are not going for a full blown reef then who cares.