actinics

[nick]

can any one tell me if you need actinic lights , because at the mo i have 2 150w pendants but no actinics

Thanks

Nick

[Gillybaby]

Hi Nick - welcome to Reef Corals :-D

Don't think you necessarily need actinics, but they do add another dimension to the light. Personally, I prefer having the white lights offset by the actinics.

It might be worth finding someone nearby who has actinics so you can compare. Your more than welcome to pop in and see my tank but you might think its a tad far to travel just to see some lights :wink:

[nick]

i have had actinics before had really like the look but my new tank has an open top and i can't figure out how to get the actinics over it.

[flying Jock]

Hi

There is a lot of debate wether we need actinics or not.

Personally i prefer them and they look they give my reef not to mention the corals that colour up so much better under them :wink:

I also have an open top tank and have installed my actinics to a piece of B+Q guttering which then sits on the front and back bracing bars.

I also have them built into a halide unit.

I run 4 actinics in all

FJ

[liquidlogic]

i have x2 150 halides ill be adding x2 actinics so the fish arnt stressed when they switch on, simple as

[Dons1903]

I use an Actinic tube (with reflector) on mine. I beleive that the corals benifit from teh 450nm wavelength of the light, also I think the tank looks more natural the bluer the light. 8-)

Remember that although it doesn't look as bright to our eyes due to our visible spectrum, they are still bright to the fish! 8-)

[Chris, Reef Ranch]

Don't need them. We don't have them at the store and check out my corals under the Reef Ranch. We do however use 20,000k bulbs. According to Steve Tyree 14,000k is what they need but 20,000K provides the onlooker with a bluer and more fluorescent view. I have also noticed good growth with these lamps. We can get them at extremely reasonable prices.

Chris

[liquidlogic]

chris to be fair mate, if you suddenly wack on halides your fish are going to get stressed. actinics create a dusk and dawn effect, i totaly agree with you that corals dont need it but the fish do

[Chris, Reef Ranch]

You don't need actinics. however, if you want a bluer light use a 20,000k bulb. We use them in the store. You get more flourescence. SE E40 400w £54.99 inc. shipping.

Chris