question on mh bulbs

[Mikie]

was wondering if anyone knew any info on sylvania bulbs m57 m175/u/med. good, bad or otherwise I have three in my new ones in my garage & was wondering if they would work on my tank.

[PerryinCA]

I am sure that they will work, but they (if they are the lamps I believe them to be) are rarely used in reef tanks do to the lower than natural spectrum. They will be a green/yellow color over the tank and not really have an attractive look. However, lamps such as these (in the 3500-5000k range) were commonly used before the advent of the higher spectrum aquarium specific lamps and many people were quite successful with them. So to answer your question in a sentence - they will work, but the color may not be eye pleasing.

Other lamps have a higher photosynthetically active radiation value, meaning they put out more "usable" light for the coral at the same wattage.

-Perry