lighting question is this a possiblity

[phosphatimus]

ok i was at home depo tonight and was looking at t-5 and t-8 and t-12 set ups, i was also talking to the lighting guru that seem to know what he was talking about he stated that the t-8 would put out more than the t-5 or t-12 and there was a set up for t-8 that had 4 bulbs in them and they were like 40watts or so for 40 dollars now that is a hell of a deal i thought it was a light fixture that went up into the celling and with a little modding and the power cord that comes with this it could easily be modded to fit right over the tank now i didnt see any t-8 bulbs that produced the right kelvin that this t-12 bulb (a aquarium light that they had) which produced around 4100 kelvin but i was wondering if A) would this set up work and maybe find the right bulbs online two acinic and two white B) what you thought of the ideal?


also i have these two uvb bulbs that are t-12 flurecent they were ment for my savannah monitor but what would happen if i threw them on the salt water tank good or bad things? they are 48" a peice?

 

[jeffb3t]

One thing to think about is the endcaps on those fixtures are not water proof and will result in some major problems and possibly a fire unless you have a cover on the tank. As far as bulbs, I would go for aquarium tyoe so at least you know you have the right spectrum. As far as the wattage, dont exceed what the ballast is rated for. To answer your question, yes it can work with some modding but I wouldn't recommend it. it is easier just to pick up a retrofit kit.

 

[phosphatimus]

what about my uvb bulbs i have for the lizard since they are rated with uv will those do some good if i put them over the tank i have two 48 inch proble t-12 big fluorecents

 

[mikeadams1985]

ive just picked up 3 150w metal halide units complete with bulbs. not designed for an aquarium but once i change the bulbs to 150w 10k and 14k that should do what i want right?

there designed to hang mid air and have glass covers so they should be fine.

edit: moral of the post if im am correct, aslong as you provide the right wattage and color spectrum then they should be ok to use?
Correct me if im wrong more experience gurus

*not im a newbie and only saying what i believe to be true from what ive learnt so far.

 

[phosphatimus]

uvb bulbs what about them