20k vs actinic

[rldavisou]

I'm in the process of gathering info to do a DIY lighting setup. Would I be better of using 250 watts of 20k halide or 175 watts 10k halide with 192 watts of actinic supplement. It's a 30 gal long tank. Does 20k light cause corals to fluoresce the way actinic does? Or is it just blue in color?

 

[teen]

20k will give corals that flourescent look.
i would go with a 250w 20k.

 

[swalchemist]

250 20K(slow growth) or 400 watt20K (faster growth & for deeper tanks) if you go with that spectrum. I would suggest instead 2X250 14K with some actinic suplementaion it will give you the color you are after without sacrificing growth.

 

[teen]

its a 30 gallon long. 2x 250w or a 400k will bake that tank.
i have the same size tank and im running a single 250w DE pendant. its more than enough for the tank.

 

[reefstar22]

I run 2 400watt 20k MH's and 4 55 watt Actinic bulbs.

Needless to say my tank has a VERY white/blue look to it. - Most of my corals look almost neon because of the lighting.
Keep in mind most of my corals have been in the tank for 2/3 years newest additions within the past couple of months.
imo its the best lighting. - I hate the yellow look. - Looks like pee. imo