Lighting Question

**fraggle** · 01-30-2008, 07:47 AM

OK, this is going to sound like a silly question and I'll probably sound like a goose, but I've searched the forums and can't find an answer.

What is the difference between the aquarium lights and the normal fluro lights that you can buy at the hardware store?

I haven't got any lights at the moment, I've actually never had lights! I have 2 4" tanks that I think will look so much better with lights, and hubby asked me why he can't go and buy the 4' fluros from the hardware store and just put the aquarium globes in them?

I have no idea, I kind of vaugely rambled on about the reflectors and covers and switches, but I really don't know. Is there a difference or was I telling firfys?

Thanks!

**Fishguy2727** · 01-30-2008, 11:46 AM

Are you asking about the differences in the bulbs or the fixtures?

The bulbs will be different colors. Most fluorescent bulbs bought at hardware stores (even aquarium/plant bulbs) have a yellowish or brownish tint to them. I have used the screw-in compact fluorescent bulbs and they look very good. Home Depot's have little color indicator pictures on the boxes so you know in what part of the spectrum the bulb is in.

The fixtures made for the tanks look much better and are designed to be used in such proximity to the water (lots of humidity).

**hpt84** · 01-30-2008, 12:26 PM

I would think most hardware bulbs are just white. However, aquarium bulbs try to represent daylight.

**NickFish** · 01-30-2008, 01:02 PM

Hardware bulbs would probably brake pretty quickly with all the humidity.

**Fishguy2727** · 01-30-2008, 05:42 PM

I have used the compact fluorescent screw-in ones from Home Depot. They have never broken. Try and find some that do give some indication to color. They make the same type of bulbs for aquariums but since they are for aquariums they are much more expensive.

**Incredulous_Ed** · 01-30-2008, 08:34 PM

Alot of bubs from hardware stores are cool white, which looks weird in the fish, and doesnt help plant growth. Other than that, not much difference, besides the spectrum. GE sells a plant growth bu;b for indoor gardens and aquariums Which ispretty good.

**fraggle** · 01-30-2008, 09:20 PM

Hi thanks for that!

I was asking more about the fixtures than the bulbs, but it's great to know that you can use some of the bulbs from other places too!

Cheers guys!

**Incredulous_Ed** · 01-30-2008, 09:36 PM

Well, the fixtures there are meant for spreading light all around the room. Aquarium light fixtures concentrate the light directly downward, not around teh room, so aquarium fixtures, while more expensive, are more efficient.

**fraggle** · 01-31-2008, 03:17 AM

Thanks for that Ed, I kinda thought that there had to have been a reason that they were called "aquarium lights".

Cheers!

**Dsoto87** · 01-31-2008, 03:23 AM

If its the fixtures your talking about than Im sure your husband was talking about buying cheaper shop lights. If you ever see pictures of peoples tanks in the dark you will see that they have the aquarium lights on, but the lights only light up the tank and not the rest of the room. the main difference that really matters is the reflectors on the shop lights. They are made to light up an entire room. Aquarium lights have reflectors that concentrate the light into the tank. Thats the main difference. That, and the endcaps on the shop lights dont do well with the humidity and moisture.

If its bulbs you wants to buy from hardware stores than by all means, go and buy them. If you have a fish only tank than it doesnt really matter what "temp" the light is as it really only serves an aesthetic purpose. GE sells some really cheap bulbs with a temp range thats made for tanks. I actually like it more than the bulb that came with the strip light. And it only cost me about $5 at walmart