Color spectrum / wavelength of "true" Actinic lamp

[New Reefer]

Hi All,

I'm in the process of experimenting with a "suntanning" Compact Fluorescent lamp as an alternative for an Actinic lamp.

Can anyone please supply me with the "spectrum" or wavelengths of light emitted by a "true" Actinic - preferably the original Philips Actinic 03 (or direct me to a site with this information).

I'm a bit concerned that the lamp I'm considering using emits light in the 300-400nm range, with the 38W lamp radiating 9W of UV/A and 0.1W of UV/B, according to the spec sheet.

Any comments and/or information will be appreciated.

Regards,
Hennie Landman

 

[Len]

This is all from recollection, so don't quote me. Phillips actnics concentrate greater then 90% of their spectral output @ ~420nm (this is certain). I don't believe they emit any UV-B, and probably very minimal UV-A.

300-400nm bulbs will definately produce some unique results in a reef. I'm not sure if it's safe (UV-A should be, UV-B is questionable, UV-C definately not), and I wouldn't experiment with these bulbs on my main display tank. But you're definately gonna get some extreme florenscing out of your corals.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree. At a minimum, I'd think you're going to create algae problems with those bulbs.

Ty

 

[New Reefer]

tyoberg: <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

At a minimum, I'd think you're going to create algae problems with those bulbs.

Now, why do you think so? This light spectrum is *more* blue than actinic, and as far as I know algae grows better under light of a red/yellow colour, not blue/violet.

Hennie

 

[Anonymous]

Ooops, got my metal color spectrum reversed.

Ty

 

[Frick-n-Frags]

Hey Hennie! I keep thinking about your dilemna.

What if you were to go ahead and try your tanning lamps, but put a sheet of acrylic between them and the water. I think acrylic stops shortwave UV. Or if not acrylic, some type of UV filter glass.

Is there any 420nm light put out by the tanning lamps?