Actinics . . . Necessary??

[megatron_55]

Hey guys . . . Another lighting question . . . First of I have a 27 gallon tank(36x14x12 approx) . . .at the moment I am running 2x96watt PC's . . .

But FORTUNATELY I have found the lighting of my dreams for the 27gal . . . It is 2x150 watt DE 20000k MH bulbs . . . the only thing is. . doesn't come with actinics.

Are actinic lights really important? Would it bother my fish?? ALSO . . . IS THAT TOO MUCH LIGHT FOR MY TANK??

Thank u GuYs in advance :mrgreen:

[Tarolisol]

Well with 20000k lights id say no actinics are not nessecary, some people will say no no matter what lights you use. But heat might be an issue, if you can keep it will ventalated and not in an enclosed canopy you should be fine.

[rickjames]

You don't need actinics. They are good for dawn/dusk though. I run a 250 10K light on my 30 with no actinics. That MH setup isn't too much light, just make sure it has good ventilation to avoid heat issues. Mine stays between 80-84F night/day with a couple of computer fans venting the canopy.

[Willow]

i thought you bought some fancy pants light rig a few weeks ago.

[Ryan]

You don't need actinics. They are good for dawn/dusk though. I run a 250 10K light on my 30 with no actinics. That MH setup isn't too much light, just make sure it has good ventilation to avoid heat issues. Mine stays between 80-84F night/day with a couple of computer fans venting the canopy.

I agree..kinda. Corals need some sort of blue spectrum in their lighting. If you were to run 10k then ya you would but 20K has a lot of blue so you shouldnt need it.

[Rikko]

If you can get a hold of a spectral analysis for the bulbs you plan to use and it's got good blue coverage, you're fine without. I generally like to use full spectrum bulbs and then twiddle with blue (not necessarily actinic) until I get a colour balance I like.

[megatron_55]

i thought you bought some fancy pants light rig a few weeks ago.

Yah, I had to return it (I bought a stereo system for my car instead) . . . It was supposed to be for my 75 Gal but I don't have the time right now to shop for the stand and the glass aquarium . . . + setting up the tubings, sump letting it cycle and junk so I thought i'd just upgrade my lights for the 27 gal . . . Alot easier for me as I really don't have much free time at the moment . . .

[sumpfinfishe]

Hey Marc, IYWMO :biggrin:
Save your frig'n money man, a 27gl doesn't need anymore :idea:
Instead, save the cash and use it on your next setup, as your 75gl will cost you even more $$$. Also some may say you could use the new 150MH's on your 75, I think you would need at least 2x250 instead-so keep the 27 for the sump or you use it as a species tank or the mixed reef that you have right now!

[StirCrazy]

I agree..kinda. Corals need some sort of blue spectrum in their lighting. If you were to run 10k then ya you would but 20K has a lot of blue so you shouldnt need it.

actually a 10K bulb will give enuf long wavelength blue light for corals, so no you don't need actinic Fluorescent or PC bulbs in any MH set up really.

now running 20K bulb the only reason you would want to run actinic is for extra color or for a in between lighting power for be for and after the MH. If you have them try them and see how you like it and make your decision from that.

Steve

[danny zubot]

Ryan said,I agree..kinda. Corals need some sort of blue spectrum in their lighting.

Every bulb has blue spectrum in it even if you can't see it. Some change the spectrum visibility by emphasizing various wavelengths. When used with MH, actinics are purely esthetic IMO.

[rickjames]

I was going to reply to you Ryan, but Steve and Danny covered the answer well!

If you look at the spectrum plot of a 10K compared to a 20K, the real difference between the two is that 10K has a high "blue" output as well as fairly high output in other ranges, while a 20K has even higher "blue" output and barely any output in the rest of the spectrum. So there is no need to supplement light in the blue range as 10K has good output in the blue spectrum. Unless you want your tank to look bluer.