Can I use a shop light for lighting?

[davdev]

Can someone let me know if shoplights are OK to use for lighting? I am thinking about this light:
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/lithonia-lighting/4-ft-t8-black-steel-shop-light-38420.html

I would plan to rest it on top of my 75 gallon tank (on the glass versa top). I know it is a little ugly, but I am planning a canopy as well, so it would never been seen.

Is there any reason an aquarium specific light would be needed?

 

[kdrun76]

I have an 8 footer from Home Depot on my big tank. Mine is hing from the ceiling though. And yes, its pretty ugly. I really don't care.

 

[Jc1119]

Yeah. I used to. Worked just fine. Not quite as water resistant as some aquarium specific but they'll do. Only reason I don't now is I switched to t5's to reduce heat.

 

[jcardona1]

Absolutely. Just add the bulbs that give you the color you like.

 

[Chaz88]

I have a 4' shop light on my 150g. tank. Works great, the canopy hides it, and is much cheaper than the original that burned out. I just bought the spectrum and wattage of lights I wanted for the tank and have been happy with it.

 

[davdev]

Thanks guys. My second question is, should I buy bulbs specifically designed for aquarium use, or are the ones at Home Depot fine for that as well.

Sorry for what may be stupid questions, I am still pretty new to this hobby

 

[Chaz88]

I have had good luck with normal bulbs. I just check the wattage and spectrum and match to what I want. I have found that some of the normal bulbs seam to grow more alga. Your Mileage May Very.

 

[Chaz88]

Couple of other suggestions. Look for a fixture with a silver reflector plate and keep in mind most of them are less splash resistant than ones designed for aquariums.

 

[jcardona1]

Thanks guys. My second question is, should I buy bulbs specifically designed for aquarium use, or are the ones at Home Depot fine for that as well.

Sorry for what may be stupid questions, I am still pretty new to this hobby

Yeah, it just depends what color you're after. Bulbs at Lowes or Home Depot tend to be fairly yellowish, and they normally carrly bulbs that have a spectrum from 3000k to 6500k. If you like this look, then great. If you want a white or bluish/violet color, you'll need bulbs that are 10,000k to 18,000k. These you may only be able to find at a petstore since these aren't commonly used in household lighting.

Hope that helps!

 

[jcardona1]

This should give you an idea of the kelvin color spectrums