Quartz Halide light

Has anyone tried using the quartz halide light that is readily available at your local hardware store? If they could be used they certainly offer an economic advantage since their cost is generally under $10 & the replacement bulb is only around $5.00. From what Philips says they have a 3000K rating. Would it be possible to use them in conjunction with actinics to get some blue?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

I would have to say "no" They put out more heat than light and the kelvin range is around 3000, just like you posted, So it would be a very yellow light and not beneficial for your corals. Sorry

J

 

NO, NO, NO...you don't want to go there!!!!!!!!
Light is way to red/orange/yellow spectrum! You don't have any spectrum light from the other end of the spectrum(green, blue, purple and ultraviolet).
The color temperature of the suns rays is around 5500-6000k! Your bulb is at 3000 so it is less than the suns rays as far as spectrum color(kelvin).
The other thing to remember is that water refracts light, thus the spectrum of light reaching your corals at a given depth will be altered.
I would strive for a bulb with at least a color temp of 10000k, and better yet go with 10000k and an actinic lighting to really enhance your tank and it is much better for your livestock!
I'm trying to make this as simple for you as possible becuase I know lighting is a complex subject as I know from experience.
Have you looked into metal halide lighting?
YOU don't want to cut corners with lighting and skimmers in terms of cost if you want to really bring out the colors of your corals etc. and offer them a better environment!
This is just my opinion, but hopefull I helped you to shed some LIGHT on the subject...no pun intended!!!hahha
best of luck and let us know what you decide!

 

Thanks for the info. It just seemed that if the bulbs were ok to use, it would be a "no brainer" due to the incredible cost difference. Certainly would leave more bucks for corals, fish, etc........

 

I know! I hear ya that would be nice however, you would end up loosing money in the long run because you would end up probably killing your corals and replacing the bulbs after that!! Better to start off on the right foot!