Lighting two 10 gal. tanks

[deltamud]

I want to set up 4 10 gallon tanks each with different plants and fauna. My problem is Money! I have very little to play with. So here's my plan.

To save money on lighting I want to use standard 4 foot shop lights. Two tanks under each one. I want to get at least 3 wpg. Is this do-able? If so how do I figure out the correct amount of light? Any tips from anyone who has done something like this would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jay

[juggler]

Should be do-able. Problem is whether you want to put the tanks side by side.

Total 40 gallons. So you need 120W to get 3W/g. So maybe you get 4 x 36W FL tubes. They are 4ft long.

Since you are on budget, then install 2 tubes under a aluminum reflector (the ballast placed remotely) and place them over the tank. Make sure to be safe by earthing it and when handling it.