REALLY cheap fluorescents OK?

[mhmh]

The local "dollar store" has screw-in fluorescent bulbs, meant to replace an incandescent bulb. They use 20 watts, but supposedly produce light equivalent to a 100 watt bulb. Their shape is long and thin, and they fit into the incandescent sockets in the cheap hood on my 10 gallon tank. Would these be enough to keep saltwater fish with no live plants?

[BrianH]

Yes they will work, but, IMHO I would get bulbs with a kelvin (K) rating of at least 6500k. This will reduce the amount of algae grown in your tank. Bulbs with a higher kelvin rating produce a bluer light while the lower (under 6500) produce a more yellow light that encourages algae growth. Also please know that these bulbs still are producing 20 watts of CF light.
I believe you can also find these bulbs on ebay. They seem to be gaining popularity for fishkeeping.
Brian

[mhmh]

I was thinking of getting these because they're a dollar each! These are straight and very thin, not coiled like some of the ones I see on ebay.

I've been researching making a nano-reef out of my 10 gallon, but having to get the high-power lights and use filtered water is making me re-think this. Maybe instead of a reef, I'll put two of these cheap lights in, add a powerhead and UGF to the existing HOB, and replace the existing FW gravel with crushed coral. I'd like a couple of seahorses, a blue damsel, a clownfish and a blood shrimp - pretty much things I would have put in a reef if possible.

[BrianH]

You can use these lights for a "reef". Just make sure the K rating is 6500 or above. I would not mix seahorses with any fish other than pipefish. They are much to slow when eating and will starve.
Brian