Actinic of 10000k

[tableforglasses]

I am looking to add 2 54 watt t-5 lamps to my 150 gallon that already has 2 400 watt 10000k metal halides I was wondering whether I should get 2 10000k or 2 tru actinics. Just wondering what you guys think.
thanks

 

[bang guy]

True Actinic means a wavelength peak of 420 nm and that wavelength is barely visible to the human eye. It's a photosynthetic peak and beneficial to coral but it doesn't offer much brightness for viewing.
Since you really need no extra brightness next to the 400 watt MH I'd recommend two Actinics to bring out the flourescent proteins in corals.

 

[tableforglasses]

Hey Bang Guy
will the actinic also increase my algae growth or just coral growth?

 

[bmkj02]

I have 2 400w MH 10k with 4 x 54w T5HO actinic. What kind of algae growth are you refering too? It wont be the cause for bad algae. Will help anything grow. 10k spectrum is to yellowish for me. With the actinic it will be a nicer view of your display tank

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by tableforglasses
http:///forum/post/3217669
Hey Bang Guy
will the actinic also increase my algae growth or just coral growth?
If there are excess nutrients in your water then the more light you have the more algae you will grow. The specturm isn't relevant for algae growth in my opinion.

 

[tableforglasses]

I am going to change out my metal halide bulbs when I put in the actinic as they are over a year old, would you guys stay with the 10000k or change to a 14000k when I add the new actinics? I have looked at light color comparison and I think I like the 10000k but want to do what is best for tank and for corals.
thanks

 

[bang guy]

Originally Posted by tableforglasses
http:///forum/post/3218006
I am going to change out my metal halide bulbs when I put in the actinic as they are over a year old, would you guys stay with the 10000k or change to a 14000k when I add the new actinics? I have looked at light color comparison and I think I like the 10000k but want to do what is best for tank and for corals.
thanks
Use the bulb that is most pleasing to you. The corals will adapt to the color.