RBP + blacklight = blind fish?

[knox_rbp]

I was curious about the effects of a blacklight on RBP's. I know there are glofish that you use a blackliht with but I have also read some articles saying that it can cause vision problems for fish and even kill them from UV radiation. I was wanting to know if anyone has experience with using or problems from blacklights. Thanks.

 

[paopanlilio]

why would you even wanna use black light if you can darken the tank by floating plants

 

[knox_rbp]

When did I say I wanted to darken the tank? I use the blacklight at night for low level lighting in my room. It just happens to be above one of my tanks, namely the rbp tank. I was curious as to adverse side effects to the piranha not benefits using it for the piranha. Thanks for the input tho

 

[jp80911]

I have no idea what black like would do to any fish but too much UV light is not good for almost any living things, IMO. if you want low level light why not just use moon light? wavelength is in the blue range (around 470-480nm or so I think)

 

[mad ness]

great topic, was looking into replicating moonlight and had considered black lighting... can you share more about what type of bulbs can do this? blue range, that's halides 2000k? bit brighter than moonlight... thanks

 

[jp80911]

for moonlight usually are done with blue LEDs, cheap, wide angle and use very little electricity.

 

[mad ness]

ok I assume any blue low wattage bulb or flourecent tube also will do? LED's are great but not much room to put the transformer.

 

[jp80911]

ok I assume any blue low wattage bulb or flourecent tube also will do? LED's are great but not much room to put the transformer.

just put them in parallel and use a standard 5V or 9V power supply. just make sure you can the power supply can delivery enough current for all the LEDs.
you can also use other light sources but the easiest would be buy a bunch blue LED X'mas light (the ones for X'mas tree) and you are set.

 

[Pfisherman]

I have never used a black light, but if you are looking for low level lighting, I put duct tape on the glass beween the light and the tank, and wrap a bit around the tube.

Warning, this will only work with flouresent lights, incandecant will burn.