UV tubes

crazie.eddie

If it's a moonlight effect you are looking for, you can get the same effect using cold cathode or even leds. The wattage of them is allot less, so you don't spend allot of money keeping the lights on.

girlofgod

what is a cold cathode?

crazie.eddie

Cold Cathode lights are lights used in computers. These are not typically aquarium lights, but some people use them. You need to buy & assemble the parts. What's needed is:

Cold Cathode lights-
Voltage AC/DC adapter BEST if adjustable, 300Ma (Walmart around $10 USD)

You can solder the wires or use electrical tape. But it's best to solder and use those shrink wrap for wires. The adjustable voltage adapter allows you to dim the lights.

Here's a link to a DIY Cold Cathode setup...
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_moonlight.php

usmc121581

I used a blacklight on my tanks.

trreherd

''Well this is the plan, but I need to know how it could effect bacteria''
dill i dont belive black lights are relly ultra-vilet i think they are close though
If they were reel ultra-vilet than i dont think people would be selling them.

And by the way its pretty funny that eddie mentions cathodes because im staring at one rite now!(i always thought it would make a good moonlight)

Lupin

I agree on this one. They may not be UV but we still have to exercise caution in using black light.:)

tophat665

Actually, they really are ultraviolet. You can hurt your eyes loking at them too long. My grandad had a black light he used to use to test mineral samples for fluorescence (rock hound - could have been worse - could have kept a ton of fish tanks :) ). Their fine so long as you dont stare at them or keep them on all the time.

I'd hesitate to use one in a fish tank, though. Maybe the UV cold cathodes are less energetic... Essentially, if it's powerful enough to sterilize the bacteria, then prolonged exposure will hurt the fish. That's just my opinion, but I think my reasoning is pretty sound.

Daz

tpohatt665 this is the sort of answer I have been looking for. Thanks, any more information would be gladly recieved. :)