Lighting

[matro]

I had a question about lighting. I havn't heard the use of HPS lights instead of MH. I have an enhanced spectrum HPS 430W setup and was wondering if I could use it with the aquarium. It is for houseplants, but I didn't know how different the sea life's needs were.
Specs:
LU430S/HTL/EN
Initial Lumen Output: 58,500
Mean Life Hours:16,000
Color Temperature: 2100 degrees Kelvin
CRI: 25
If I supplement with, say, a coralife 50/50, would it work?
Love the site, thanks for any help given.
-Matt

 

[daniel411]

I don't think you're going to want to run 2.1k lights on your tank? Might have a plant-algae break out.
You really don't need special lights for a fish only system.
Oh, and welcome to the board

 

[matro]

Thanks. I kinda figured that, was just hoping maybe someone would chime in with a success story. What would you consider a BTA's minimum lighting to be? It's a 21'' tall 4ft tank(80Gal). I know it's a while off as I'm just now attempting to squeeze some water out of my new RO/DI (first tank). Are VHO's noticeably more efficient than a MH per watt? Advantages? Does anyone have any experience with conversion bulbs?
Thanks for all of the help, I'm very glad that I stumbled onto this site! I have spent every night for the last 2 weeks browsing for hours.