Originally Posted by Gamedawg
What kind of corals can I get with flourescent and actinic? I need to go check the wattage in my big tank.
actinic is not a type of bulb, rather it refers to the color of the light that comes from the bulb. Flourescent, Power Compact, and VHO (Very High Output) flourescent all come in an actinic color. It is a deep blue that is almost like a blacklight in that it makes colors almost glow. That combined with a 10,000k bulb (pretty white), will closely mimic the color that sunlight is in an actual ocean reef. You can achieve this with either a bulb of each, or what's called a 50/50, which is one bulb that is a blend of the two.
What you have is a 12" T5, Normal Output (or NO) bulb made for freshwater. Unfortunately I have not been able to find anthing in a 12" T5 other than what you have and that is really not suited to any corals. You might be able to keep some mushrooms, but that would be about it.
Another option would be if you would be willing to purchase a 13 watt Power Compact "retro kit", take the guts out of your current hood and replace it with the 13w PC (about $25). They come in a 50/50 and will provide much better color. You still won't be able to keep much more than mushrooms or other low light corals, but it is at least better color. It would also take a little DIY skill.
Yet another option would be to scrap that hood all together and make a custom one out of wood, but that requires that you have some woodworking skills and tools. If you did that, you could put at least two of the retro kits in it and it would allow you to keep low and medium light corals.
