pc lighting

[t-bone]

I have a 30" pc fixture with 2 65watt bulbs, 1 actinic, 1 10k. Because bulbs are only 21" long and they are staggered, one side gets more 10k, the other more actinic. The actinic side seems to do better(corals open faster when lights come on, stay open longer when lights go out).
If I were to switch my 10k bulb to a 50/50 10k/actinic bulb would I have any problems? That would put me at 75% actinic 25% 10k. I know my tank would look more blue, but I like it better blue than daylight anyway.
Thanks.

 

[devil dog]

I don't think you would have enught light for you coals then...

 

[t-bone]

Thanks for replying thought no one would.
I would go with a 65 watt actinic and another 65 watt half 10k half actinic
Giving me 65+32.5=97.5watt actinic and 32.5watt 10k.
Does the 10k put out more light per watt, cause on a watt basis I would have the same, just more blue color?
Does my coraline algae, zoas, gsp, shrooms need the color found in the 10k vs actinic color?
Thanks

 

[perfectdark]

The reason why the actinic side is reacting the way that it is, is because of lack of light. They sense the light on, and open quickly to absorb all they can. Actinic lighting is supplemental and really shouldnt be added to the total watts or lumens for your system. It doesnt have the intensity that the 10k's have for coral growth and propagation. Although coraline algea seems to thrive under it. You would benefit more by putting in 2 10k daylights and then buying a single strip for an actinic bulb.

 

[t-bone]

Thanks PerfectDark. Making sense now. I looked at light output graphs for 2 current pc bulbs, 1 a 65w 10k and the other a 65w 10k/actinic combo. Both seemed to have very similar lumens at peaks and peaks around same wavelength. Confused me. The area under the curve is bigger role than peaks?(should relate to total light output), but the combo has a huge are under its curve.
An LFS told me 10k is mainly for our visual pleasure and the actinic is better for coral and coraline growth. Obviously want to double check that with all you experts before acting on such advise.

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by t-bone
http:///forum/post/2723418
Thanks PerfectDark. Making sense now. I looked at light output graphs for 2 current pc bulbs, 1 a 65w 10k and the other a 65w 10k/actinic combo. Both seemed to have very similar lumens at peaks and peaks around same wavelength. Confused me. The area under the curve is bigger role than peaks?(should relate to total light output), but the combo has a huge are under its curve.
An LFS told me 10k is mainly for our visual pleasure and the actinic is better for coral and coraline growth. Obviously want to double check that with all you experts before acting on such advise.
Good call as the LFS was indeed wrong. Actinic blue lighting depending on the NM of the wave length, 420 460 etc etc is the color seen at that depth at noon time on the equator. Its purpose is to give an appealing look to our corals in our tank. You can successfully achieve a very healthy and striving reef tank under natural sunlight if so desired. Which will look yellow and dull depending on where you live.

 

[t-bone]

Glad I didn't rush out to buy the new bulb. I am leaning toward Current just because they say they have twice the output per watt of their competitors. Again, probably better to listen to the experts than the marketing. Any suggestion on brand?