I was at home depot the other day looking for something to set up for low lighting for my future bichers and came across some 48" black lights. I figure it would give off an interesting effect in the aquarium and would give me a deep purplish look, but does anyone know if this is safe for fish? thanks
Hmm... Black Light??
- Thread starter that drumin guy
- Start date
I was thinking of buying some for my 100g for at night. I think it should be safe but lets see wat other ppl say
I think it is a BAD idea, blacklights are hard UV like they use in sterilizers, staring at one can cause eye damage and prolonged close exposure causes skin burns, if it does that to people think what the poor fish would have to put up with. most also produce a lot of heat. You might want to use colored LEDs instead.
I used an atinic light on my community tank that I use to have. The fish would freak out and stay at the bottom every time I turned it on. I had a regular bulb and the atinic. They were fine with the regular lighting, but when the atinic was on...they acted as if the devil entered the water. I had some female bettas, neon tetras, some ghost catfish, and a couple of ottos. But if you want that purplish effect. An atinic would definately be better than a black light.
Everything they said negative about black lights, plus the fact that is disperses abnormally in the water and will make your tank look cloudy. You won't be able to see fish at all.
Actinic is the best way to go to modify the tanks color and give a nice glow to it.
Actinic is the best way to go to modify the tanks color and give a nice glow to it.
I'll take you guys advice and pass on the black light. I was just looking for a cheap alternative for a light lol.
I use a blue neon bulb (like the ones that go under your car) with a 12v to 120 volt tranformer, The fish dont seem to mind at all and it looks awesome. Its the only way i can really watch my clown knife be active.
Normally it isnt that bright, I used a long exposure when i took the picture
Normally it isnt that bright, I used a long exposure when i took the picture