Actinic or blue supplementation - what's best?

[jamesw]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a good option to supplement my 10K MH. I currently use 2 96W PC's but it seems like one of them or the other is always burned out. I have a new ballast and I've switched the connectors back and forth so it's definitely a lamp problem. I haven't had good luck w/ the bulbs getting to me in once piece either - but that's another issue.

I'm looking for a better solution. Should I go 2 long T-5's - say one 6 footer in front of the canopy and one at the back? What about LED's? Are there some blue strip LED's that would work well?

Cheers
James

 

[Anonymous]

I don't think T5s come in 6 foot lengths, I've only seen them in 2,3,4,5 foot lengths. I would however go with 1-55watt T5 over with a decent reflector over a 96watt PC bulb any day though. Nothing says you have to stretch a bulb the entire length of the tank, besides do you really have stuff butted right up against the sides? A 5 foot one probably would make much sense, but most reflectors stop at 4 foot lengths, I used 4 foot ones on my 6 foot tank, it was a tad darker on the sides, but I lived with it.

ATi blue plus bulb puts out a TON of light (considering its blue) and could easily help "blue up" your halides a bit depending upon the wattage of them. As for blue vs actinic, they both will fluoresce colors, actinic slightly different than the blue, the problem is the actinic puts out less useful light than the blue ones, but the upside is when only the actinics are on it looks much more dark so the fluorescent pigments in corals pop that much more.

As to the LEDs, I've heard (seen a few pictures) that they work good, however the price on those strip lights IMO is not justified vs the cost of T5 bulb replacement & electricity usage.

 

[Len]

Ecoxotic makes LED blue (~450nm) and UV-A (~400nm) for about $50 each. You'll probably need six or eight of these for any decent blue supplementation. There is also the new Reef Brite fixtures: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... =reefbrite

Prices are on the higher side. However, factoring in that LEDs don't require annual replacements, it isn't too bad.

 

[Anonymous]

Ecoxotic makes LED blue (~450nm) and UV-A (~400nm) for about $50 each. You'll probably need six or eight of these for any decent blue supplementation. There is also the new Reef Brite fixtures: http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... =reefbrite

Prices are on the higher side. However, factoring in that LEDs don't require annual replacements, it isn't too bad.

That price is pretty damn good considering the wholesale price on them

 

[Anonymous]

I still live VHO over any of the other available options. The price is good too.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm not so happy with the VHO actinics. They must have changed the amount of phosphors/gases or combination as they just don't have as much "pop" as they used to. I get far less of the squiggles in my eyes from them.

I still need to bring you by the 2x 48" LED strips so you can see what they can do above your loan 24" Even using one on Matt's tank made it pop.

 

[jamesw]

Yeah, why don't you bring me one by...hehe ;-)

Cheers
James

 

[Anonymous]

I would if it was a mere 50 minute drive as it is to Thales

I may bring one out to Nextwave coming up this month, you going? It's in Dallas though.

 

[Anonymous]

Gresh - you coming to the swap? Do you have the 48 inch VHO to trade for the 46?

 

[Anonymous]

Make sure there's a plug, if you bring those LED lights I want to see what they're made of!

 

[Anonymous]

Gresh - you coming to the swap? Do you have the 48 inch VHO to trade for the 46?

I'm am, but, I can't find those damn 48" anywhere. I have no idea where I hid them during my move I will bring the 48" LEDs though so maybe after the swap we could look at them at your house?

Mike, I know every outlet in that room now (BAYMAC planning) :lol: