Generic lighting or a fish brand lighting ?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
W

Warborg

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Sep 2, 2009
3,340
2,158
179
Austin, Texas
I just had a bulb burn out on me, which leaves me with one left(had 3 or 4 a few years back). The one I have left is not very bright.

I'm trying to figure out if I can save money and just get a plain bulb or if I really need one made for the fish tank.

I don't worry about getting algae(unless it would turn the water green) and i don't worry about a little heat as the tank is unheated and runs around 76-78. So, a little added heat doesn't bother me.

So, would there be any other reason why I should pay more for one that is made for a fish tank?

Also smaller the wattage the brighter, right?

Thanks
 
What sort of bulbs are they, florescent tubes?

For florescent tubes the wattage usually indicates the length of the tube. Other wise wattage is just about how much power the bulb uses, you look at the lumens for how 'bright' the bulb is.
Also you need to look at the light 'temperature' in k, for what colour the lights will be.

And yea if you are not growing plants bulbs from hardware stores are just as good as any from a pet shop.
 
Fish, for the most part, do not require any special lighting. The special lighting is more for our visual preference/appeal, and every fish keeper has their own preference. Some people likes their tanks extra bright while some people, like myself, prefers a tank more subdued and darker at the ends of the tanks.
 
I run a variety of different lights on a variety of different tanks. I like the blueish glow from my reef but run 10ks on a angelfish tank and led's on a betta tank. I do have a birchir grow out with the run of the mill start up kit lights. Play around with the different options and see what you like best.

On a different note why did you abandon the lounge?
 
I use fluorescent tube from hardware store on my planted tanks. You can buy in different Kelvin. Just grab the 6500 and plants will grow fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom