Home Depot Bulbs OK?

[kreesdqban]

Is it ok to buy fluorescent bulbs at Home Depot for my FW fish only tank? I read on Drs Foster & Smith that it wasn't ok but im not sure if its just a marketing gimmick...

Im using a bulb I bought from Home Depot now and it seems to be producing some algae on my rock formation. Is the bulb to blame or other factors... (phosphates are low btw)

 

[Kuthoht]

My local Lowes which is similar to a Home Depot actually carries bulbs that are labeled aquarium bulbs. They're pretty cheap too

 

[Nolapete]

Buy the Philips Daylight bulbs not the Aquarium Bulbs. They are 6700K and won't grow algae as readily as the aquarium type they carry. Cheaper too.

 

[jake gillespie]

there fine as bulbs a tank that is established plant wise wont have to much algea.

 

[Nolapete]

THEY'RE not actually because they are around 3400K which is more red and grows algae easily. Without the plants, you're screwed.

 

[kreesdqban]

Well I have no plants and was aiming towards a 6000K or higher bulb to get a nice white light. So if I pick the right temperature of light (high in the spectrum) it shouldnt grow algae?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

Buy the Philips Daylight bulbs not the Aquarium Bulbs. They are 6700K and won't grow algae as readily as the aquarium type they carry. Cheaper too.

and they look great too. thats what i would buy

 

[luckydud13]

Its not that it wont grow algae, its just that it will not grow it as much.

 

[kreesdqban]

I'll have to go see what they have and compare prices with the LFS.

 

[kj5kb]

I'll have to go see what they have and compare prices with the LFS.

If you are talking a T-8 4' daylight tube...HD/Lowe's wins by a mile...~$7 for TWO of them...vs probably double that for ONE at the LFS.

The Phillips "plant & aquarium" bulbs (4' t-12's) I have are pink...great for growing amaryllis, but not so great for fish.