Halogens

[lukep77]

Hey I was wondering has anyone tried using halogens over a reef tank??????
And if so what where the results.

[Matt]

I think the consensus is more or less: too much heat for the amount of light.

[fortheloveofcrabs]

Plus bulb choice is kinda crummy

[rusty]

People have converted halogen lamps to halides before, I am sure there is someone with a link to an artical about it on the board.

[lukep77]

Right on i didint think it was done before. Does any one have a link to the article???????

[AndyL]

K folks, catch up with the newer technologies...

Strangely one can now get Halogen bulbs in better K ratings... Spied a 7200K MR12 bulb the other day (5000-6500k's have been around for a while, available at most specialty lighting stores). Still not as efficient as halides, but there's also something nice about the 12v MR12 fixtures (much of the track lighting) over a tank.

[dunl]

Andy, got any specific places?

[AndyL]

lol, ask tough questions, got a bulb down at the store 14st & 10ave sw, the store across from work (brite-lite???) was out of the 5500k back then (27st ne north of 32nd ave).

[lukep77]

AndyL Have you used halogens over a reef????

I have been using halogens over my planted tanks for a couple of years now and have had great success with my plants.

Iam wondering if its posible to do the same thing with a reef tank. I mean I know that there should be actinic lights over reef tanks, but is it posible to substitute the typical 10000k bulbs with halogens, of the same or greater wattage?????