commercial flourescent lights
 

Just starting a new tank (240) I have some commercial (dimmable compact flouescents 2x 26 watt bulbs I have 3 of these units .I believe they are full spec bulbs. does anyone know if they would work for reefs?Thanks Norm PS these light fixtures are round! Bulbs are triple PLT or CFT 4 pin lamps 2 x 26 watts per lite

3 of 2x26? For a total of 156w? IMO, that isn't enough light to keep any corals alive. I think that on a 240, that could be adequate for the actinic portion of lighting, but i would suggest getting some metal halides or T5's as your main lighting.

what are the dimensions of the tank? And really, what do you plan to put in it coral wise?

Thanks Craig & Holly for your reply. Tank is 70" x 30 w 28 deep. I plan to do t5's for nite lighting. Want live rock and soft coral. Looking into LED's . May design my own led fixtures. Thanks Norm

I'm assuming they are recessed can type lights with the triple or quad tube lamps? Better to use them for your kitchen or bedroom, and keep to real reef lighting for the tank. They are nice lights though, so dont chuck 'em:)

Thanks for the reply and heads up h2O Eng!Regards Norm

Yeah, Id have to agree here, The "Aquarium lights" are designed with a certian spectrum in mind. Just slightly out of the correct spectrum and you may have other un wanted items propigating faster than your corals can keep up with.

This Special spectrum is the rason we have to change lights (minimum yearly) so often.

LED's are new, and look promising, but you need to also be sure of the specturum they are producing too.

Id suggest going with Correct spectrum T5's.

I think you could use a commercial "electronic" ballast though...
any other opinions on that?