lighting help

[o.jonathan.o]

I'm wondering if I can use regular house lights for my aquarium like the 75 Watt ones

 

[jeffruth]

You can, light is light. The only thing to consider is the heat it generates. It could raise the temp in the tank 2-3degrees C over the day. If you have any live plants then you would want to consider lights that gives off the right color temp.

 

[o.jonathan.o]

Ah okay. I just want a bright tank. I made a metal top so it wont melt and I have a fan to keep it cooled off somewhat. Do you think 75w is too much. I only have one plant in the center. Here is a pic. Left is the 25w bulb and right is the 75w bulb

 

[jeffruth]

That looks nice. Just keep an eye on the temp of the water. If it doesn't creep up to much your good to go IMO.

 

[o.jonathan.o]

Just a question, probably a super dumb one but, can a fish get sunburn from bright light

 

[cabezon]

Considering that SW tanks have 250watt metal halide lights, I think you will be just fine with whatever 75w light you are using

 

[o.jonathan.o]

Cool thanks. I felt dumb asking that

 

[jeffruth]

The only dumb question is the one not asked. Cheers

 

[cabezon]

Yeah, never feel dumb asking a question. Smart people ask questions. Dumb people think they already know.

 

[alex07]

Replace the house lights with spiral cfl bulbs

 

[o.jonathan.o]

Replace the house lights with spiral cfl bulbs

Are those the florescent ones and may I ask why

 

[jeffruth]

Yes they are and because they produce less heat.

 

[cabezon]

And they are a better spectrum than incandescent.