Last Question on MH bulbs
- Thread starter broomer5
- Start date
smalltimer
Member
The Ushio bulb 250 hqi will actually produce the ppfd, which is the measurment of usable light for photosynthisis (spelling), of a 400 watt coralife bulb. check out this information on the bulbs. I have the PFO Ushio 250 small hqi pendent on a 50 gallon and wow, what coral development and 2 65 watt pc custom sealife powercompacts for actinic. Here is an email to the custom sealife guys about their actinics and what he had to say and hopefully a successful link to the hqi information......
Thanks for writing. There is a lot of confusion as to the term "actinic" and the differences between the spectral output between different types of bulbs. The term "actinic" refers to a spectrum that is maximized in the blue end of the spectrum. The term "true" was actually connected with the first high output bulbs that utilized special gases and phosphors to create a light that peaked at a very low wavelength, giving it a purple/blue appearance. This light was valuable due to its ability to penetrate deep into the aquarium as well as into the tissues of the organisms. The aesthetics of the aquarium were also improved over the harsher yellow lights that had previously been used. The term 03 is also synonymous with the word "true" and both generally refer to an actinic bulb that peaks in the 420-430 nanometer range. Our actinic peaks around 460 nanometers. This is also the range where photosynthesis is activated.
Our bulbs are not "painted" and utilize a special gas mixture combined with rare earth phosphors to create the actinic wavelength. Many years ago a competitor used this statement to scare people from purchasing our lights, but unfortunately rumors stick. Our bulbs, while different then the VHO actinics, will give a more natural look to the aquarium, as our bulbs simulate the natural environment.
If you have any more questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Wesley Brooks
Customer Support
As far as the information on the 250, the 250 HQI in this artical is made by Ushio....check it out it is proof the Ushio is the better bulb. The second link is to a 400 watt study they did, remember the Ushio PPFD and then compare to the 400 watt ppfd and see how close they are...it's amazing...
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a.../2/default.asp
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a.../1/default.asp
Thanks for writing. There is a lot of confusion as to the term "actinic" and the differences between the spectral output between different types of bulbs. The term "actinic" refers to a spectrum that is maximized in the blue end of the spectrum. The term "true" was actually connected with the first high output bulbs that utilized special gases and phosphors to create a light that peaked at a very low wavelength, giving it a purple/blue appearance. This light was valuable due to its ability to penetrate deep into the aquarium as well as into the tissues of the organisms. The aesthetics of the aquarium were also improved over the harsher yellow lights that had previously been used. The term 03 is also synonymous with the word "true" and both generally refer to an actinic bulb that peaks in the 420-430 nanometer range. Our actinic peaks around 460 nanometers. This is also the range where photosynthesis is activated.
Our bulbs are not "painted" and utilize a special gas mixture combined with rare earth phosphors to create the actinic wavelength. Many years ago a competitor used this statement to scare people from purchasing our lights, but unfortunately rumors stick. Our bulbs, while different then the VHO actinics, will give a more natural look to the aquarium, as our bulbs simulate the natural environment.
If you have any more questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Wesley Brooks
Customer Support
As far as the information on the 250, the 250 HQI in this artical is made by Ushio....check it out it is proof the Ushio is the better bulb. The second link is to a 400 watt study they did, remember the Ushio PPFD and then compare to the 400 watt ppfd and see how close they are...it's amazing...
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a.../2/default.asp
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/a.../1/default.asp