Question about lighting

[crsandoval]

Ok,

Law school prevents total reasearch in this hobby, but here it comes anyway. I am getting close to needing to replace my MH bulbs (XM 20K 250 Watts). Well, I was walking around Lowe's and noticed that they have MH bulbs there that would fit into the Hamilton enclosure that I have.

Here is the question, will this work, or it is it an algae bloom waiting to happen that will wreck havoc on the tank?

 

[SteveOhh]

They aren't the right spectrum for aquarium use...............Amazing a MH bulb that is used for outdoor lights is around $15, switch the spectrum a bit for aquarium use & the prices goes up to $70....

Steve

 

[Corriander]

The bulbs at Lowes are likely in the 2300K to 6500K range and will look VERY different from the 20K's you have been using.

Maybe check out this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=955233

 

[crsandoval]

I checked out that post, if I went from 20k down to 10k, the tank would not look as good because I do not have actinics running.

 

[Corriander]

Well, you can solve! I have a 48" PC Coralife unit for sale you could put actinics in!

 

[crsandoval]

I actually used to have that lighting setup before I bought the halides.