Anyone every try tanning bed light bulbs?

I know I will probably get FLAMED for this, but I can not find any info on the web about the subject.

I have a new 200gal tank I am building into a wall, currently have a 75g bow front (it is 10 years old) and full of live rock, had a bad storm this summer lost power for 8 days lost my coral and most of my fish. Tank/sump setup needs to be retired, and start again. I had good luck propagating tonga (not sue what kind looked like brown broccoli grew like crazy).

I have 2-250w MH and a power compact I can use on the new tank, but was thinking about tanning bed lights (have a source that would give me used bulbs).

I can just hear the replies, I will have tan fish, a sun-burnt tang ect...

Maybe there are not designed to run for an extended time, maybe they emit to much UV (would the used bulbs still emit the strong UV?), anyone with any positive comments?

Also, how can you measure the light wave spectrum (is there a measurement tool that is cost effective?)

thanks

 

why would you want to? this is not a cheap hobby, and lights are no place to skimp. if money is a problem, maybe go with a smaller tank.

 

Don't know much about this but from what I know used bulbs will be used up. Most people replace there bulbs after 6 month to a year. Don't know about taning bulbs. most likly run too hot or not right color temp.

 

Do UV bulbs need to be a specific temp? Those tanning bed bulbs are all UV-A light, which in theory should stimulate some activity - If i'm not mistaken - bout time i get to dig out the old bio textbooks from first year U... I'll do some reading and hopefully get back to you soon.

 

No flaming here. Found this from an old post.Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine - Feature Article: Poor Man's Spectrometer: Estimating Lamp Spectral Quality for Less Than $30

There may be issues with all the UV breaking down the plastic top to your tank. There may also be health issues associated with cataracts. Do your homework first.

 

Tanning bed bulbs are big cheap (relatively) UV bulbs. They won't work as aquarium lights.


There is a device though, called a spectrometer. You can get a good one for about $30. EDIT: looks like pgreef beat me to the punch.

 

I think you are on to something with the UV output being too high, but have nothing to back myself.

 

I got it - UV would be too much. Found this article and it is known that tanning bed light output more UV-A than the sun.

UV-A and coral growth