Enough Atinic's

[JD'sReef]

So I just change over to a 10,000K 175watt haide which is acompanied by a 10,000K and an Atinic (36 watt, Normal florcesant). My question is that two people have noticied that I may need more atinic supplment. Does anone agree with me using 2 atinic rather then the 10,000K strip?
Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Well you don't NEED actinic lighting, however if your halide runs a bit yellow (which some do, depends upon bulb & ballast) then using actinics tends to drown out the yellow a bit and may allow the corals to fluoresce a bit more. However I don't know how much normal fluorescent bulbs will do to overcome that.

 

[JD'sReef]

Thanks sfsuphysics
The tank looks really balanced when referring to the lighting spectrum. However, I was informed that Atinics will help my Corals Thrive whthin the tank. Maybe i should just be content and let nature take its course.
Thanks for the hit!

 

[Anonymous]

It's all personal preference. If you like the way it looks I wouldn't add any actinics. The corals aren't going to miss it. Strong actinics (like mentioned I don't know how a reg fluor. bulb is going to affect things next to a halide) will make some colors stand out more, but it's all aesthetics to you.

 

[JD'sReef]

Thanks
Just wanted to make sure I was not starving the corals. Can anyone inform me, what actinic light is used for. I know it is the light spectrum below 20 feet, but what corals absorb it.
J.

 

[SnowManSnow]

It's used for making your light bluer

B

 

[JD'sReef]

"Make my light bluer"
Really Snowman, I thought the "420K" spectrum was to help intensify your mental stimulation!
But seriously though; are specific corals going to benefit from a actinic spectrum? If my BTA is found in less deep aspect of the reef, why does he need this spectrum (other then for my viewing pleasure)?
I feel lighting is a though concept to grab.
J.

 

[JD'sReef]

"Make my light bluer"
Really Snowman, I thought the "420K" spectrum was to help intensify your mental stimulation!
But seriously though; are specific corals going to benefit from a actinic spectrum? If my BTA is found in less deep aspect of the reef, why does he need this spectrum (other then for my viewing pleasure)?
I feel lighting is a though concept to grab.
J.

 

[Anonymous]

IIRC, the corals don't need actinic; it is only for your viewing pleasure. I'd say try using 2 actinics, and if you prefer the color of the tank, then keep it that way. If it's too blue, then switch one back to 10K.

Your BTA will get all his needed light from the MH.