PC bulb choices - which ones are best?

[Cowtownman]

It is time to change my CSL PC bulbs and I notice there is more variety now than before. Previously, I had 2 6700K white and 2 7100K blue. I have heard that the 7100K are not true actinic, that the bulb was simply tinted blue.

Now I notice that there are two more "actinics" on the market - a "super actinic" and a "true actinic." As well, there is now a 10000K white bulb and an 8400K white as well.

What is considered the best current 4 bulb CSL combination. I was thinking 2 6700K and 2 "True Actinics." Or maybe subing in a 10000K for one of the Actinics.

I have compared the old actinic to the true actinic and notice that it looks to the eye more like a VHO actinic. In fact, the old actinic looks exactly like I have heard, a white bulb painted blue, whereas the true actinic looks violet or periwinkle.

 

[DrDave88]

I am in the same boat, i really have been having a hard time finding out what the real differance is.

Dr

 

[Cowtownman]

Interesting - up until early last year I lived in Elmhurst as well. Now I live in Connecticut. A couple of things in common here.

 

[MIKE NY1]

I had the same problem so I decided to go with four 50/50 smartlamps

Mike

 

[tetra]

I have two 10KKs and one 7100k and one "true" actinic pc. I feel that if you combine the 6700k and the "true" actinic, it is not blue enough because the "true" actinic isn't as bright as the 7100k. However, if you use 10kk and "true" actinic, it looks great. Here is the "true" actinic looks like by itself:

 

[Anonymous]

I will second tetra opinion of the "true" actinitc and 10K PC's. I am running 2 of each along with a 175 watt 10K MH and the color it produces is very nice.

 

[24Tom]

For a two bulb setup I like one 10000K and one true actinic.I haven't tried a super actinic yet but tried all combos of 10000 and 6500 with med blue and true actinic. My pavona seems to grow faster with the 10K but it just may becoming more acclimated to my tank.