Actinic, how long should I keep it on?

[IsaaX]

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]

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]

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

[Ninong]

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]

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]

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]

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.