metal halide lighting

Question
i have recently bought a metal  halide fixture that is not necessarily meant for aquarium use. i was just wondering if it is still ok to use it over my 16 gallon nano?

Answer
Hi Marcus,

My answer:

You might be able to use it.

You would have to consider factors like safety, and the light spectrum the lamp provides to the fish you have.

14,000 to 20,000 kelvin metal halides are typically used over saltwater reef aquariums.

Keep an eye on your aquarium temperature, metal halides not made for aquarium usage will considerably heat up a 16 gallon. I personally wouldn't put a 250 watt or 400 watt over a 16 gallon aquarium. A 150 watt metal halide would be the highest I would go.

Regards,
Dave

All Experts - Editor

Orange County Reef Aquatics http://www.ocreef.com - Director