regular spots (house) lights...

[Vstar99]

Quick Question on lights....
Can regular spots (home) lights suffice on a reef aquarium?
thanks in advance - E!

[ErikH]

no

[JimD]

no

lol, Why not?

[ErikH]

on a reef? :)

[JimD]

Yup?

[LoneStar]

Yup?

nope

[Chris]

Elaboration really helps the newbies. http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/happy.gif

[ErikH]

If you are wanting to do a reef tank, you have several options, but stick with what works. These are
1.) T5 or PC - T5 is more preferred over PC due to the longevity of the bulb, PAR, wattage (less for T5), and T5s are used commonly in alot of SPS dominant tanks. PCs & T5s are often used with MH, and singularly over tanks
2.) VHO - HOT! Most often found being used for actinic supplementation when used with a halide. Usually the tank will require a chiller.
3.) Metal Halide- Hot as well, but if used with T5s the heat can be combated with fans.
4.) NO (normal output) lighting. These are the lights that come with most store bought aquariums. Used mostly on Fish Only tanks.

Corals are affected by many things, and light is extremely important to the health, color, and growth.

[JimD]

Thank you. :applause: lol

[apedroza]

Way to go Jim!!!!!! Erik kudos for that excellent explanation I don't think I could have said it better myself. YOu guys crack me up!!! :rofl:

[ErikH]

yeah, I was hoping for someone to play along. Go figure it was Jim! :)

[Texreefer]

and you left off the simple fact that they cannot be used simply because of their color temp (Kelvin rating).. they will simply not support coral life or growth.

[Texreefer]

Did i say simple?

[Vstar99]

thanks for the advice.....- E!