Stupid question about a blacklight

[LJA]

I would like to use a blacklight behind my tank at light to illuminate the inside, most likely for about 4-6 hours a night. Would there be any problem with this? I would think this would be the same as blue LED lights but just want to be safe before I do it.

Thanks for the help.

[LostOmen]

First off, it's not a stupid question at all! I asked it myself a while ago and was told that it was not a good idea due to the fact the black light puts off some harmful UV rays that are not so good for your coral. I played it safe and stuck with blue LEDs, and they still give my corals that cool neon glow.

[agreeive?fish]

heat and uv bad things

[horwitzs]

Don't we put heat and UV on our tanks every day with MH lights??
As long as the bulb is behind the tank like he says, won't the glass be a pretective barrier?

[Hop]

About 5 years ago someone did a test and ran black lights for quite some time. I seem to recall things went fine.

[wiscsaltwater]

I was told that black light reacts with white pigments (thats why your clothes glow) and since alot of fish see black and white it could potentially mess with their eyes, whether its true or not i dont know...

[kayne_21]

Actually, black light reacts with the phosphors in most laundry detergents. If you wash your white t-shirts in some of that slick hunting detergent, it won't glow under a black light.

[RedDmon]

Wouldn't it be more cost effective to just run Blue LED Lunar lights? Plus, No Heat.

[Playa-1]

Maybe you should spearhead this project and let us know how it works out for you.