Actinic, how long should I keep it on?

IsaaX · 02-25-2004, 10:36 PM

Hi I have a 40 gallon reef (to be) with 60 pounds of live rock (fiji/kaelini mix) and just noticed today that the tank looks much better without the Actinic being on. I currently have two 96watt PC's, one 10K and one Actinic bulb. Can I just use the actinic just for the dusk/dawn effect? I was thinking that I can have the actinic turn on an hour before the 10K (dawn) then shut off after the 10K is turned on, then turn it on again for an hour after the 10K turns off (dusk). Would this work or would I have to keep the actinic on through out the day?

Thanks!

***Reefland*** · 02-26-2004, 12:07 AM

You don't have to keep the actinic on all day but obviously with less bulbs burning, there is less lighting intesity on the reef. If you don't want any actinic, replace them with additional 10k's.

Scott Z.

IsaaX · 02-26-2004, 12:45 AM

Thanks Scott, I'll go out and buy another 10K bulb tomorrow!

**Ninong** · 02-26-2004, 03:58 PM

Isaac,

There are all kinds of choices in 96w PC lamps now. They make 5000K, 6700K, 8800K, 10,000K, Actinic, and Smart-lites (half 10,000K/half actinic). It's mostly a matter of what you prefer as long as you don't go with just two actinics.

madman19710 · 02-26-2004, 04:09 PM

i had all 10000ks on my tank and it looked kinda yellow i added a no actinic just for looks and the yellow tint went away without any loss of intensity

reewik · 02-26-2004, 06:49 PM

I would have to say the color of the tank is up to the reefer. Keep in mind you want what is best for the corals but lets face it no one wants to run just a 6500 k mh. they suppliment it. What color light you have is all personal preference.

IsaaX · 02-26-2004, 11:32 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I'll try all 10k and see how it looks. Right now I dont see yellow tint with just the 10K on.

02-25-2004, 10:36 PM	#1
IsaaX Mayor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Marina Del Rey, CA USA Posts: 743	Actinic, how long should I keep it on? Hi I have a 40 gallon reef (to be) with 60 pounds of live rock (fiji/kaelini mix) and just noticed today that the tank looks much better without the Actinic being on. I currently have two 96watt PC's, one 10K and one Actinic bulb. Can I just use the actinic just for the dusk/dawn effect? I was thinking that I can have the actinic turn on an hour before the 10K (dawn) then shut off after the 10K is turned on, then turn it on again for an hour after the 10K turns off (dusk). Would this work or would I have to keep the actinic on through out the day? Thanks!

02-26-2004, 03:58 PM	#4
Ninong Moderator Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Louisiana Posts: 19,674	Isaac, There are all kinds of choices in 96w PC lamps now. They make 5000K, 6700K, 8800K, 10,000K, Actinic, and Smart-lites (half 10,000K/half actinic). It's mostly a matter of what you prefer as long as you don't go with just two actinics. __________________ Ninong

02-26-2004, 06:49 PM	#6
reewik Citizen Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 112	I would have to say the color of the tank is up to the reefer. Keep in mind you want what is best for the corals but lets face it no one wants to run just a 6500 k mh. they suppliment it. What color light you have is all personal preference. __________________ www.geocities.com/reewik As the wife says "reef obsessed"! Eric

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Actinic Supplementation for AB 10000K DE bulb	Techy-Mechy	Lighting	3	01-19-2002 06:19 PM
True actinic lighting for very small tanks?	MarkS	Lighting	2	10-23-2001 06:34 PM
Green, long hair algae.	eses	Saltwater (Fish-Only) Aquariums	9	07-30-2001 11:14 AM
New Macro Shots	GreenLincoln	Reef Aquariums	5	07-22-2001 12:08 PM
lighting period of HQI and actinic	ts	Lighting	2	06-15-2001 02:38 PM

02-26-2004, 12:07 AM	#2
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,027	You don't have to keep the actinic on all day but obviously with less bulbs burning, there is less lighting intesity on the reef. If you don't want any actinic, replace them with additional 10k's. Scott Z.

02-26-2004, 12:45 AM	#3
IsaaX Mayor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Marina Del Rey, CA USA Posts: 743	Thanks Scott, I'll go out and buy another 10K bulb tomorrow!

02-26-2004, 04:09 PM	#5
madman19710 Tenant Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: new castle indiana Posts: 88	i had all 10000ks on my tank and it looked kinda yellow i added a no actinic just for looks and the yellow tint went away without any loss of intensity

02-26-2004, 11:32 PM	#7
IsaaX Mayor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Marina Del Rey, CA USA Posts: 743	Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll try all 10k and see how it looks. Right now I dont see yellow tint with just the 10K on.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)