460nm or 420nm actinic

[andy51632]

What is the difference between these two? and how do they compare to normal actinic?

 

[rbaldino]

As far as I know, the 420nm is the same as Actinic 03, which is supposedly the true actinic. I have one tank with a 420 and one with a 460, and I like the 460 better because it seems to bring out more of the green in certain corals.

 

[frankthetank]

I think the 420 is the purple looking actinic... while the 460 is the bluer one. I've actually heard the 420 brings the flourescents out in corals. I have always used dual actinics. So I can't really tell you what one or the other looks like alone.

 

[stanlalee]

460nm is for looks. will make your tank look bluer. 420nm looks dull and purple but flouresces flourescing pigments and is responsible for making pigmentation grow. my spelling be damned. dont get me wrong not that 460nm does nothing, its just it would never be used except for the coloring because 420nm is more functional.

 

[andy51632]

Originally Posted by FranktheTank
I have always used dual actinics.
What does dual actinics mean? You use both kinds.

 

[rbaldino]

Originally Posted by andy51632
What does dual actinics mean? You use both kinds.
Yes. You can get some tubes that have both 420 and 460, just like you can get some tubes that are both daylight and actinic.

 

[andy51632]

Okay, do they have these in power compacts? Also what is the best brand bulb for power compacts?

 

[frankthetank]

I use the current bulbs. They are more affordable than coralife bulbs, and work just as well. Yes, you can purchase dual actinics in PC...