Fluorescent strip lights vs. fish tank specific lights

[BTB0923]

I was wondering if there is any reason I shouldn't be using an ordinary fluorescent strip light to light my fish tank instead of buying a light made specifically for fishtanks. Is it unsafe to have a regular strip light sitting on top of the tank??

Thanks

 

[jcardona1]

no reason that i can think of besides aesthetics. lots of people use them for bigger tanks

 

[Acura_RSX]

i was using a normal flourescent strip light for a while as it came with the tank i bought used .. had an aquaglow bulb though. It only lasted a couple of months then a bit of water got on top of the tank and blew it up .. smoke and all. no fire though.

 

[shelbyzman]

looks might be one issue......although if you have a canopy, it wouldn't be a problem

 

[BTB0923]

I read somewhere that fluorescent lighting not made specifically for fishtanks can make your fish go blind because of UV or something. I just want to make sure my fish will be ok.

 

[12 Volt Man]

read somewhere that fluorescent lighting not made specifically for fishtanks can make your fish go blind because of UV or something

no.

there are some reptile bulbs I believe that emit some UV light, so that the lizards can synthesize Vitamin D naturally..but not fish lights..

 

[rucus]

I use one on my 125. here are the pics. The first one is how it looked with a 48" on and now I just use a 24" strip. I like the dark sections of the tank myself Sorry for the cell phone pics.