Actinic and blue? What's the diff?

[funman1]

I got in a 7100 BLue Hamilton today from CRS.
I was looking to get a Actinic 03 bulb..

I put the Blue one in and it's looks nice, but was wondering what's the difference between the two? I only have the one bulb so I can't directly compare them side by side..
Thanks

 

[Bebo77]

doesnt actinic = blue?

 

[dots]

Actinic bulbs are bulbs that supplement the blue range in which most flourescent and some MHs lack in. (420nm, if I remember correctly). It stimulates growth and brings out flourecents.

There are a few kinds of Actinics that are available, and most purests believe the VHO actinics produce the best color.

Most MH bulbs have enough blue in the wavelength already and dont need Actinics, and it it up to the user to use them or not.

Try this for more info:
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_lighting_powercompact_compact-fluorescent_bulbs_information.asp

 

[funman1]

Right...
I understand that, I have a 14K MH that I switched to from my 20K But the 14 was too white for my taste, so I wanted to add some suplements.

There are two bulbs offered by Hamilton
1) Actinic 03
and
2) 7100 Blue

I wanted to know what's the difference is between the two?
and if one was better than the other.
The 7100 Looks pretty good in my tank so far and I think I'll keep it but still wondering what the diff is?

 

[dots]

check the link, I think you responded after I added it.

 

[funman1]

ahhh I did.
Thanks got it..

 

[kevin95695]

I think this might help with some background of the origin of 'actinic' as we use it and what it means to those outside of the reefin' community:

Wiki link on actinic light.