any lights that will give the same effect as mh?

[bbreaux1]

just wondering if there were any alternatives to metal halide lighting that would give the same shimmering effect for a fo tank but cost alot less
and puts light out in the right spectrum to not grow excessive algae

 

[10k]

Never heard of any. But if you find any let me know.. I could use a cheaper lighting setup...

 

[fishpoo]

You can do a metal halide setup for $100.There is a Advance ballast that you can pick up at your local home depot for about $25.This ballast will run a 250watt Iwasaki bulb.The only disadvantage is the ballast will run hot because it is a tar ballast,and the bulbs may not last as long.

 

[bbreaux1]

what about a few incadescent bulbs placed close together im not worried about brightness just the shimmering effect

 

[glazer]

Here's a thought for you, the shimmering effect you are talking about is caused by a "point" light source as opposed to a diffused type like a flourescent tube. Since you are talking a fish only tank you might want to check out the SoLux brand of halogen lights. They are available in different color temps but they have them in 4700K which is basically daylight. I have never used them on a tank but have them at work in a showroom for color samples on furniture. They are also low voltage (12 volt). The bulbs cost like 8-10 bucks. Couple of the clip on light fixtures from Ikea (the ones with the transformer built in) for like 10 bucks each and a ten dollar bulb, Hmmmmmm, bent with two of these set up you could get some shimmers, hehe. And, if it don't work out you got a couple of nice accent lights for around the house.

 

[blondenaso1]

You have to watch with adding lights icandescent or other lights with wierd spectrums. You could run into algae problems. Plus why heat the tank for nothing. Save up a little and get a MH. YOu can put one together for cheap.