Why can't I use non-marine halides?

[music man]

I can buy industrial halide fixtures complete with a 350w bulb and ballast!
Why can't I switch the bulb out for a 10k bulb or other?
I bought 3 of these and installed them on my house they are complete for under 100 bucks!
is the ballast the difference? I don't need to worry about corrosion

 

[Kensn]

You can use the balast. It is a magnetic ballast and depending on the bulb can be better than an electronic ballast. 350wt is a wattage you wont find an aquarium bulb for though.

$100 for just a balast though insn't a great deal. Unless the socket and reflector were going to be used also there is not a savings. If the reflector was going to be used I doubt it was enginered to give the directed light for aquarium use.

 

[mattie]

mostly it is the bulb.
if you can find a bulb thats a true 10k then it should be fine
the disadvantage to useing the wrong bulb is that it can cause an algae bloom of non benficial algae and may not have a pleasing color to look at
most aquarium bulbs have alot of blue and a spectrum spike aroun 400- 420mn's
metal halide ballasts are not very exepensive if you get the m59 magnetic ones
only the icecap or PFO electric ones cost more money. and they are worth it for the are light wieght small in space and generate very little heat and are a little more energy efficent
be sure you get the right bulb for the ballast I do not know of any 350w 10k or 20k bulbs

 

[BoomerD]

Here's some reading on ballast/bulb combos:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=624185