Ikea halogen lights for planted tank?

[cairocks]

Was walking around Ikea and suddenly wondered if Ikea halogen lights could be used in my planted tank. As my tank is just a 2ft tank, seems too powerful and hot using MH lamps, esp when the 70W ones are getting quite rare Wondered if halogen lamps from Ikea is powerful enough and give a similar effect to MH lights. Also no idea if the halogen's lamp spectrum is suitable for plants. Wonder if anyone here tried using them and if so, how is the result.

[williamng]

I think it is ok but the temperature is very hot..Just take note

[linahalim]

onitor your bills at the end of the month
not really worth it for fresh water aqua

Was walking around Ikea and suddenly wondered if Ikea halogen lights could be used in my planted tank. As my tank is just a 2ft tank, seems too powerful and hot using MH lamps, esp when the 70W ones are getting quite rare Wondered if halogen lamps from Ikea is powerful enough and give a similar effect to MH lights. Also no idea if the halogen's lamp spectrum is suitable for plants. Wonder if anyone here tried using them and if so, how is the result.

[cairocks]

I haven't done it yet as I had lost 2 congo tetras last week because they jumped while no one is looking. So right now, I got a piece of plastic netting for homefix to provide sort of cover for my tank. Because of the netting, I am not adding the halogen lights as I am not sure if the heat would melt the plastic. The problem now I am facing is that the netting seems to have cut down the light that is able to reach the plants...Still monitoring the situation. Maybe I try to find those extra fine fishing net that would provide an obstacle to jumping fish but would not cut down the light penetration. As for the heat, I do have a chiller to counter it, the thing is how much my electric bill would increase with the halogen lamps and the longer chiller working hours.

[Goondoo]

Maybe I try to find those extra fine fishing net that would provide an obstacle to jumping fish but would not cut down the light penetration.

Please be careful that the fishes might get injured or even stuck to the net.

As for the heat, I do have a chiller to counter it, the thing is how much my electric bill would increase with the halogen lamps and the longer chiller working hours.

I remember it was discussed before that halogen lamps are not suitable for planted tanks. Can't really remember why, you should try doing a search on it.

[Goondoo]

Hi,
Just found a site you might want to take a look.

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/People/Darn/darn3.html