Types of Actinic Blue Bulbs

[NL146]

I've seen that there are different specifications of actinic blue bulbs. What's the real differences between them and how they impact on looks and life in the aq?

 

[basiab]

Actinics are for you. If you like the effect then go with it. Your corals will grow more from daylight bulbs. I recently got T5's and those actinics beat PC's by a mile. Just no camparison.

 

[anthony27]

I agree I have ho t-5s and the growth is insane I am running two atnics from coralife and 100k from coralife ho series and i must say I am very inpressed

 

[tosiek]

Color then growth. A better actinic will provide some spectrum for growth as well as the blue glow to make your coral fluoresce and color up better. If your just supplimenting some blue paired with your MH bulbs then the actinic bulb rating and specs don't matter as much. If your swapping out a few bulbs from your T5 fixture for actinics its better to get a better rated bulb which will privide the best spectrum of light for growth which alot of actinic bulbs are missing.

 

[NL146]

Thanks. What is the recommended actinic bulb for a 39w t5 fixture?

 

[albano]

I've seen that there are different specifications of actinic blue bulbs.

I think your question was referring to actinic vs. true actinic bulbs. Better to let an expert and/or vendor chime in, but I believe true actinic 03 bulbs are 420nm, and (less blue) actinics are 460nm. Bulb selection could depend on the other bulbs that you will be using.

 

[pdnyc69]

my 420nm look purple

 

[NYreefNoob]

suggested reading, anything and everything you want to know on t5's

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1706461

 

[NL146]

Thanks guys. Information overload nyreefnoob!! Answers all my questions. Thanks.

 

[NYreefNoob]

Grimmreefer is who i ask if i have a t5 question myself and ive been using them for around 4 yr's