Too many choices for bulbs

[jeromefong]

I been looking for replacement bulbs for my beginning reef tank and I am totally confused by the selection of bulbs I can get. I currently have a 55 gal tank with a JBJ 48" Fomosa DX, with four compact fluorescent bulbs. I thought I should get two 10,000k daylight bulbs and two 420 nm blubs. However, I saw the 6,700 K daylight bulbs, the 460 nm bulbs and the combination bulbs with 10,000 and 6,700, and 420 and 460 bulbs.

Should I be getting the combination lights since they offer a more varied range? How big a difference would the different degrees make for a reef tank? Very confusing.

thanks,

:?

 

[Tackett]

The 6500k bulbs are VERY yellow. Looks like someone peed in the water. However, studies have shown that corals tend to grow more rapidly under 6500k.

10000k is a white bulb, and I prefer them to 6500k.

Your 420 and 460 nanometer bulbs are blue to purple. some people refer to them as actinic.

A combination of light provides a very good color to your tank. I would go with the 10000k 420nm combination. (some suppliers sell these as 50/50 bulbs.)

If I were you, I would actually get two fully 10000k bulbs and two 50/50 bulbs.

You can find them here.

day bulbs:
http://hellolights.com/daylightlamps.html

50/50
http://hellolights.com/5050lamps.html

Just be sure to get the right wattage.

 

[jeromefong]

Thanks for your response, I guess this is part of my confusion. If studies have shown that corals tend to grow more rapidly under 6500k, shouldn't I get the 10,000k and 6500k combination bulbs? I've read that corals need the 420 nm spectrum of light. what benefits does the 460 nm have?

Also, if you go with two 10,000k and two 50/50 bulb, that would be like having three 10,000k and on 420 nm bulb. Will this provide enough 420 nm light for the corals? Is this done for looks or is there a benefit for the corals with this setup?

What about using two 10,000k/6500k combination with two 50/50 combination. That should have the effect of two 10,000k, one 6500k and one 420nm.

thanks,

 

[Anonymous]

I always get 2 actinic bulbs and 2 6500K pee-yellow bulbs. The result is a white-blue light that is quite pleasing to the eye, with good amounts of growing light.

 

[Anonymous]

I've read that corals need the 420 nm spectrum of light. what benefits does the 460 nm have?

I have read this a lot as well but I don't believe it. 420nm makes flourescing proteins glow for corals that have them. They don't need it but it is just as beneficial as any other light.

If you light your tank in a way that is pleasing to your eyes and meets the requirements of the corals in regards to intensity and quantity then the corals can adapt to the color.

460nm give a bluer look that 420nm but doesn't flouresce the corals as much. 460nm is a good option for people that don't like the purple/pink look of 420nm.

 

[tetra]

I would go with 10kk and actinic...6700k is too yelllow even with actinic

 

[garagebrian]

I started off with PC bulbs as well and the cost of replacement bulbs led me to VHO. I currently run 10K MH for growth and URI Super actinics (420nm) as my actinics. If you want your corals to be more blue then 460nm is fine, but I like the effect of 420nm on my corals