What is the purpose of actinic lights

[valentino82602]

I have been trying to find any information on the real purpose of these lights and have not found a solid answer yet. I have a 6 bulb HO with 3 12k and 3 Antic, how should I arrange the bulbs in order to cycle my lights better. I am new to coral reef tanks. I have no coral at the moment.

 

[valentino82602]

Sorry for the mis spell...."actinic blue light"

 

[snakeblitz33]

ACTINIC bulbs are there for our viewing pleasure. They will give some corals the ability to floresce... as well as giving the corals a spectrum of light used in photosynthesis. Daylight bulbs offset the blues and are also used by corals for photosynthesis.
I would arrange them on each different ballast - where one ballast will turn on all of the blues and the other ballast will turn on all the whites. Your lighting fixture should have the bulbs alternate within the unit... IE
FRONT
blue
white
blue
white
blue
white
BACK

 

[bang guy]

The primary purpose for Actinic lighting is to enhance the visual appeal of the tank, especially corals. If you enjoy the deep water look of the blue enhancement and like to see the corals flourescing then place the blue towards the front of the tank.

 

[valentino82602]

Ok good to know, I currently have them alternating, I think the 12K bulbs wash out the blue because when all of them are on it is defiantly less blue in the tank. What would any of you recommend? Thanks