Using lights as the heat?

[spitz006]

I'm looking to set up my 35 gallon fish tank for cheap, and I was thinking instead of using an aquarium heater, maybe I could use my reptile bi-light -- One of those things that can hold two light bulbs. I could have a red one on all the time and have a white one that doesn't produce much heat like a florescent energy saving bulb or something and I can just unscrew that one at night. It says right on the thing "FOR USE IN DRY REPTILE AQUARIUM ONLY" but I'm ignoring that.

If I should just buy a 20 dollar heater at the store, let me know. I just want to reduce the amount of things plugged in and try to reduce cost.

 

[Juxtaroberto]

LOL @ "but I'm ignoring that." The reason it warns against humidity is that it isn't sufficiently moisture proof. Eventually the whole thing will rust beyond repair.

Honestly... for a 35G you could probably get away with a 100w heater. $15 plus tax.

 

[smitty03281964]

It seem like you are on a tight budget. If that is the case then go to walmart and buy a cheap heater.

 

[CLDarnell]

Yeah, this isn't such a good idea. As Roberto stated, that warning is listed for a reason.

The light is only going to heat when it is on of course. When you shut it down at night, the water could drop significantly depending on room temperature. Your fish are going to get sick pretty quick with these rising and falling temps. If you leave the light on longer, then you're going to start having algae blooms. All in all, not a good idea.

As suggested pick up a cheap heater. I even found an ad on CL once where I bought 2 really nice heaters for $5 each. If you buy used, CHECK them carefully for any signs of damage to the casing or any internal burn looking marks. Used heaters are scarey...but I would rather use one than rely on my reptile light.

Good luck!

 

[spitz006]

Thanks for the advice. I will get a heater. Any ideas on cheap lights? I don't care if they're not good for plants. I'm going with brackish so I'm not going to worry about trying live plants. I'm not worried about a top because I am just going to use some of those square metal grid things that you build shelves or guinea pig cages with. I think they're called C and C.

(By the way if you look at my post I said I'd keep a red light on at all times and turn a white light on during the day.)

 

[the-obstacle]

for cheap lights with no need for plant growth a standard energy saver will be fine on a desk lamp or whatever you have.

 

[spitz006]

Great!