Actinic Question...help please.

[spoggy]

Hi everyone,

I've got a 2'x2'x7' Oceanic tank (200g) that I run 4 250w HQI XM 10,000k lights. I also have 4 96w straight pin pc actinics in the same fixture. I've had it for a little over a year and I'm looking to replace the actinics for the 3rd time. What I'm trying to figure out is what is the best bulbs to replace with; both spectrum (420nm or 460mn) and the best manufacturer.
C'mon folks, I really need the help.

Steve

 

[Henry Bowman]

The PC lights are going to need replacing every 4-6 months to keep the intensity appropriate. I'd trash the PC's and replace 2 of the 4 MH's you have for 20K lights and run them similar to actinics. On before the 10K's and on until an hour or 2 after...

BTW, I have PC's on a nano and replace them as often as you are talking about and have not found a brand that I'd recommend over any other. Sorry, I dont have another recommendation for you. They're just not very good lights for our application..

My 2 cents....

 

[crazyguy34834]

wow, wow, why are you replacing your actinics so much? I use two 4' VHO flourescent retro fit bulbs on my 5' tank. I know they make bulbs that are about 6' long if you want to use them. I have had my current bulbs going for 7 months and I think they will last the rest of the year. I would hate buying too many new bulbs that often. I don't think that it really matters how actinic your lights are as long as you have them but I go with the super actinic lights and 20k MH sometimes and 14k other times.

 

[Henry Bowman]

PC's are quite a bit different than the straight VHO's

 

[Icefire]

PC last around 9 months while t5ho last 18-24 months.

 

[spoggy]

Thanks for the info, I'll see what I can do now.

Steve