i didn't like the D&D actinics back when i ran them, though they do look better after a few weeks once they burn in. i'm running 1UVL and 1 2-3month old blue+, and the uvl completely overpowers the blue+ in overall tank appearance when the halides are off (could just be new bulb breakin). looking directly at the bulbs, they appear about the same intensity to my eyes (which means the uvl is probably putting out more since our eyes are so much less sensitive to 420 than 450). the uvl is a bit purple and the blue+ is clearly bluer so people looking for pure aesthetics might prefer the blue+. it does not seem quite as purple as the VHO version, and does not seem to fluoresce stuff quite as much (from memory of other people's tanks since i've never actually run one myself).
it's probably just a case of me seeing what i want to see, but i swear i'm already starting to see new buds on things that have been stagnant for a long time.
Michael R
