Is an ESU Reptile Fluorescent Light (UVB/UVA) safe for my fish?..and is it good for live plants?

selfmaniac · 05-15-2005, 03:45 PM

I have a tank that once housed Slider turtles that now houses tropical fish. I am still using an ESU Reptile (UVA/UVB) light left over from the turtles. Is this light safe for the fish? Can I use it to keep and grow live plants? I'd rather use this light until it stops working being they are somewhat expensive to replace.

Here is the info on my current fluorescent light:
http://www.esuweb.com/cardfile.asp?I...lationship=137

**Damon** · 05-15-2005, 04:11 PM

No. While it may be useful for terrestrial plants, the UV will destroy trace elements aquatic plants derrive from the water column.

selfmaniac · 05-15-2005, 05:53 PM

ok.So not safe for Plants. How about my fish? Can I leave on the light 8 hours a day?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpte @ Sun May 15, 2005 5:11 pm

No. While it may be useful for terrestrial plants, the UV will destroy trace elements aquatic plants derrive from the water column.

**Damon** · 05-16-2005, 10:09 AM

It could heat your water considerably. Best to stick with a NO flourescent bulb.

Thunderkiss · 05-19-2005, 06:31 PM

And i suspect that you'd grow a TON of algae with it as well.

**Damon** · 05-20-2005, 09:12 AM

Possibly, but you wouldn't have to worry about greenwater!

05-15-2005, 03:45 PM	#1
selfmaniac Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 7 User Feedback: (0)	Is an ESU Reptile Fluorescent Light (UVB/UVA) safe for my fish?..and is it good for live plants? I have a tank that once housed Slider turtles that now houses tropical fish. I am still using an ESU Reptile (UVA/UVB) light left over from the turtles. Is this light safe for the fish? Can I use it to keep and grow live plants? I'd rather use this light until it stops working being they are somewhat expensive to replace. Here is the info on my current fluorescent light: http://www.esuweb.com/cardfile.asp?I...lationship=137

05-15-2005, 04:11 PM	#2
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982 User Feedback: (0)	Re: Is an ESU Reptile Fluorescent Light (UVB/UVA) safe for my fish?..and is it good for live plants? No. While it may be useful for terrestrial plants, the UV will destroy trace elements aquatic plants derrive from the water column. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

05-16-2005, 10:09 AM	#4
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982 User Feedback: (0)	Re: Is an ESU Reptile Fluorescent Light (UVB/UVA) safe for my fish?..and is it good for live plants? It could heat your water considerably. Best to stick with a NO flourescent bulb. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

05-20-2005, 09:12 AM	#6
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982 User Feedback: (0)	Possibly, but you wouldn't have to worry about greenwater! __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

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05-19-2005, 06:31 PM	#5
Thunderkiss Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 376 User Feedback: (0)	And i suspect that you'd grow a TON of algae with it as well.

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