ACTINICS 420's 0r 460's?? WHATS BEST??

[mrinelfrlz]

Ok a few weeks ago i just figured out my light fixture takes T5 type lights.When i got my setup i bought it off an individual and he didnt know what type of lights they took, but now i know.Anyways what im going to do is buy a retro fit kit and add 2 more T5 lights for my fixture, i know they will fit.
What i ordered, 4 T5's actinic's
2-t5 420 nm
2-t5 460nm
But untill i get the retro fit, what is the best light to leave in?
Right now i have the 460 nm in, it really brings out the color!!!
But i also heard they are just pretty much for just looks.
So should i leave the 460's in or take those out and use the 420's???
MY specs for my light
x2 150 watt Metal Halides
x2 54 watt T5 Actinic's
x6 2 watt moon lights
thanks for any help

 

[rbaldino]

The 460 and the 420 are both actinics, so which one you use is really down to preference. They're both designed to add warmer tones to daylight lamps, helping to wash out the yellow-look from most daylight bulbs. They'll both work fine to supplement your halides, but the 460 will bring out more greens and an overall better look. You could go with one of each, but I've never seen them mixed so I can't say what sort of look it will give you.

 

[stanlalee]

true actinic 420nm looks dim, purple and hardly adds any color to a bright white bulb. it is used for function. its the spectrum corals utilize to build the colorful pigmentation used to protect themselves from UV and intense lighting. The only reason anybody makes a 460nm is because 420nm dont have the visual (blueing the tank) effect people expect or want. 460nm is very blue and visable. makes a tank look good. probably functional but there is no question about which one is best for the corals, 420nm. having both is the best of both worlds (looks and function).