Why won't this work?

I was at a light store yesterday for a light shade, and was on the lookout for interesting aquarium things. As I turn around, I notice ''400 MW Metal Halide Floodlight - $179'' -- and my eyes lit up. Reality quickly set in, and I relized that there must be a reason I couldn't just slap this puppy over my aquarium and watch my coral frags dance for joy. Is it just the old PAR problem, or some other thing? The whole light fixture looked massive, and it was labeled as a floodlight. (I don't even know why I'm asking all these lighting questions lately. I'm happy with my current system and am in no monetary or spatial positon to upgrade, I'm just curious I guess.)

 

well the lighting is not the same the kelvins are no where needed example 10000k also the oine that you purchase for a aquarium are made for this purpose not a general use for normal lighting. that will not work but good try though it over myself

 

It would work, you should replace the bulb with one that is beneficial for your reef and more eye appealing

Jim

 

I agree with Diver. You will need to do a little homework. Check the type of bulb included - Mogul, double ended. And look around to find a bulb in the right color range and compatible with the ballast. Many of these fixtures are designed for outdoor use, and should work ok for your tank.

Mike

 

YOU NEED A BULB THAT STATES SPECIFICALLY >>>FULL SPECTRUM<<<, OR FORGET IT! If the pendant/floodlight says 400watt metal halide and has a ballast to support the bulb being used, it should work. Again as mentioned earlier, make sure that the bulb matches the pendant fitting(mogul or HQI).

 

Instead of that you could just get better equipment and your choice of XM bulbs for LESS than the homestore.
http://www.hellolights.com/arocu25rekit.html

 

Yeah...that would make a lot more sense wouldn't it. Thanks everyone, I was just curious.