http://forum.aqua-fish.net/ A forum devoted to aquarium fish, plants, techniques and fish keeping as a whole. en http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=fluorescent-bulbs#1 Can ordinary fluorescent bulbs be used instead of expensive aquarium bulbs? Arin original post: March 15, 2007, 10:34 am anonymous 2008-05-02 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=fluorescent-bulbs#2 hi Arin. In my point of view, you should use the aquarium bulbs as they are especially designed for aquariums. Matt anonymous 2008-05-02 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=fluorescent-bulbs#3 I think it is not necesery. I have classic T5 Philips fluorescent tubes. See my blog and article http://aqua-wampa.blogspot.com/2006/04/aquarium-light-fixture.html . My friend is electric enginner and they tell me that is not diferent between classic tubes and tubes for aquarium. It is only propaganda. Wampa 2008-05-02