Personally I would choos an 03 actinic, a 10k, and a 50/50 bulb. I like the looks of the 10k with actinic is why I chose those. I have 130watts of actinic right now over my 20 with a normal actinic and a 10k and I really like the look of it. Although in about 4 months when the bulbs need to be replaced I am going to get an 03 actinic...from what I understand they are a bit brighter.
I have three 55 watt pc bulbs. I absolutely hate them! These types of lights disgust me...but that is my opinion.
I have two 10,000k on my tank with one actinic. The one actinic is just barely enough. I think the next time i get new bulbs I'll get a 50/50 instead of one of the 10000k bulbs.
Adam
I just dont like the over all look they give to the tank. They were fine when i first started....i thought they were the best. Then i did more research and found out about MH. Right now im trying to convince my parents to let me get a new mh and vho hood. But I also need a ro/di unit.
But id say definetly get at least one 10k for the combination. Because with two 10k and only one actinic my tank has a more yellow look to it than i would like.
Just my opinion.
Adam
yellow look from 10,00k and actinics only?? There must be something worong with your bulbs or something. Are you sure one is not a 50/50 or a much lower temp than 10,000, more like 4500 to 7000? You should have no yellow with that combination.
Color temperature is not a scientific measurement by any means when talking about bulb companies. Just because a bulb is labeled 10K doesn't mean it isn't closer to 5K! I personally use Custom Sealife 65W PC's. One Ultra-actinic and one 10K. My tank is a crisp blue. There are several horror stories out about PC bulbs. I have never had any problems with my bulbs. I have dropped them and abused them and they work like a champ. There are also some definite junk PC bulbs out there.
As far as a combo....
How about buying a actinic and a 10K. Put it on the tank and see what you think. If you like it... get another 50/50.
If it's too blue... go with a lower color such as 5700.
If it's not blue enough, get a 20K.