Light setting

[Tee]

Hi,

I tried to read throught most of the thread, and still can't find what I was looking for. Can somebody explain to me why compact flourescent fixture have two lamps (white and Actinic )? What is the purpose for the Actinic other than it make the tank look like ocean? what time interval do you recommend.

Thanks

Tee

[Brian Ward]

Hi,

I tried to read throught most of the thread, and still can't find what I was looking for. Can somebody explain to me why compact flourescent fixture have two lamps (white and Actinic )? What is the purpose for the Actinic other than it make the tank look like ocean? what time interval do you recommend.

Thanks

Tee

 

The 50/50 bulbs are usually 10k and actinic, but you can also get ones that are all actinic or all 10k. It all just depends on the light color you prefer. The actinic bulbs make a lot of the colors appear more vibrant. As far as time interval - I'm assuming you're referring to the recommended photoperiod for the tank? Most recommend no more than 8 - 10 hrs since algae growth will become a problem.

~Brian

[Tee]

I was refering to the time set up of the Actinic. RIght now I have two plugs (1 for the white and 1 for the Actinic ) in the same timer from 10am to 8pm. They both turn on and off at the same time. I don't think my digital timer can program the white and Actinic at different time.

Thanks Brian,

Tee

-----------------

 

 

The 50/50 bulbs are usually 10k and actinic, but you can also get ones that are all actinic or all 10k. It all just depends on the light color you prefer. The actinic bulbs make a lot of the colors appear more vibrant. As far as time interval - I'm assuming you're referring to the recommended photoperiod for the tank? Most recommend no more than 8 - 10 hrs since algae growth will become a problem.

~Brian

[Brian Ward]

If the white and actinic have separate plugs, then they are wired independently. A lot of people like to do a sunrise/sunset effect and, in your time scheme, run the actinic 10am-8pm and run the white 11am-7pm. I have a mechanical timer setup I use:

Corallife Timer

 

 

I was refering to the time set up of the Actinic. RIght now I have two plugs (1 for the white and 1 for the Actinic ) in the same timer from 10am to 8pm. They both turn on and off at the same time. I don't think my digital timer can program the white and Actinic at different time.

Thanks Brian,

Tee

-----------------

The 50/50 bulbs are usually 10k and actinic, but you can also get ones that are all actinic or all 10k. It all just depends on the light color you prefer. The actinic bulbs make a lot of the colors appear more vibrant. As far as time interval - I'm assuming you're referring to the recommended photoperiod for the tank? Most recommend no more than 8 - 10 hrs since algae growth will become a problem.

~Brian