Fluorescent light

[Bigtdotcom]

Picking up a second hand tank on the weekend complete with everything, just needs The light replaced. Just wondering if I can use regular fluorescent light apposed to an aquarium specific light? Any negotiate affects of regular lifts? It will be an American Cichild tank with no live plants.

 

[Snarkaustic]

Unless you're planning to introduce plants at a later stage or aiming for a specific tank ambiance, any fluorescent bulbs of the appropriate size/power will work. If you want cool white color go for bulbs in the 4000k + range (6000k if you want pure daylight), anything less will give a yellow tint.

 

[markstrimaran]

6500 k natural spectrum, is a good white light with not a lot of algea growth.

2700k is the other standard light, it will grow a lot of algea, also,

I see wall mart now sells a Led @48" long t-8 type florescent replacement for $8.00
I have not tried it, but probably bright a white light at 7000k

 

[Bigtdotcom]

Thanks guys! The light in question came back to life after a quick fiddle with the started on the light fixture and has been working fine ever since. I will keep everything in mind if it actually dies