quick question

[jasutton]

How do i know when my VHO bulbs need to be replaced?

And does having actinic light serve any purpose? SHould i go all 10K next, or go 2-10K and 2-actinic...i heard a rumor that actinic does nothing but help color...true?


thanks!

 

[RSWrestler]

This is one of those things that probably wont ever be settled. You can find theories on both sides that both are beneficial, and that actinics are only for asthetics.

Personally, if you're running 10k bulbs I would suplement with the actinics. It would look pretty washed out. I don't know the lighting breakdown for sure, but I figure why not provide light from all sides of the spectrum?

Just my two cents!

 

[craftytony]

that's what i've heard also...would like to hear others input...

 

[adamjr]

Would you hang a beautiful peace of artwork in your house in a poorly lit space?

Whether or not actinic lighting is beneficial will, as RSWrestler said, will never be proven or disproven.

You are going to put a lot of work into making an aquarium look nice why not add lighting to it that makes it look more appealing to the eye?

I run 10kk 250 watt halides along with the actinic VHO's and I love the look of it. Without the actinics it looks washed out.

Just my 2 pennys.

Adam

 

[Teremei]

Well my polyps stay extended even if only the atnics are on. So I'm figuring yes they do provide what the corals need.

 

[craftytony]

That's a good point teremei...

 

[Sullyman]

My polyps are extended at night, does that mean I don't need lights? Kidding
Simulating dusk/dawn, adding blue for better colors but not much more from actinics.
I think corals look better under 20k, but they don't grow like they do under 10k, personel preferences are what count.