UV Super Atinic vs D-D Giesemann Atinic+ (aka Blue+)

[UCanDoIt]

Anyone switched from the Blue+ to the new UV Super Atinic? If so, how are the UVs performing and is it worth switching over? Anyone have photos of their tank comparing the 2 types of lamps?

 

[Ti]

According to the PAR values, I've seen on them the blue+ are still higher in par.
If par is a concern, probably not worth the switch.
But yeah, I;d like to see some pics too.

 

[Qwiv]

I just did. Actually, I just switched from a D&D Actinic & Blue + to a UV Actinic & Blue +. If is much better. I am considering just using the UV Actinic, but the Blue + brings out other colors in the tank, that the UV doesn't.

I just put them in Sunday night, so I am still playing with them. I have all three bulbs if anyone wants to see them in person. My D&D actinic is a bit old.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Do people care much about PAR for actinic bulbs though? I thought they were mainly used to give that final "pop" of color, not so much to assist in photosynthesis.

 

[Qwiv]

I care about the PAR as I grow a lot of corals under blue+ bulbs only, but that is besides the point. The new UV bulbs produce much more POP. I have a bright Nepthea in my tank that was very green with the blue+ bulb, and so/so with the D&D actinic. The UV bulb makes the thing look electric. The UV bulb also makes the red in my RBTA much brighter. They are much better. I don't think they are 100% of the VHO, but they are brighter.

 

[Ti]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7721332#post7721332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sfsuphysics
Do people care much about PAR for actinic bulbs though? I thought they were mainly used to give that final "pop" of color, not so much to assist in photosynthesis.

It depends on the individuals needs.
If you ended with a low par MH, the blue+ can kick the par back up, or if they are exclusive T5.

 

[Jacob D]

Where are you guys getting the UV's from? I'd like to pick a couple of them up. As soon as I can get some I'll post some comparison pics on my T5 blog: http://www.blogs.frags.org/member.php?uid=2561

 

[Qwiv]

Premium Aquatics had them for sale.

 

[Jacob D]

Thanks I'll order a couple from them. I updated the blog with a few pics.