Actinic t5...Are they worth it?

[11cmortarman]

Im looking to replace bulbs for an ati 6bulb dimmable fixture? Im looking to use a mixture of coral plus and blue plus. Is it beneficial to the corals to use the actinic bulb? If It is I will be looking to get 2 coral plus, 2 blue plus, and 2 actinic. tank is a mixed reef heavy with sps from about middle of the tank and up and euphylia dominant middle of the tank and down. If you have a better bulb combo that works for you I would greatly appreciate the advice. Thanks

 

[melypr1985]

I'm not 100% certain that the actinic bulbs are "good" for the corals, though I think they are. When I had an 8 bulb T5 fixture I enjoyed having 4 actinic, 1 pink, 1 purple, and two "white". You'll have to forgive me, it's been a while and I dont remember what the names of these were but they were guiesmann -> I can't spell that either! lol

 

[11cmortarman]

Thanks. I keep getting conflicting information. I think im just going to get 3coral plus, 3 blue plus, and 2 actinics that i can rotate in if i want.

 

[Ewilson]

On my 8 bulb im going 4 blue+, 2 coral+, and 2 actinic

 

[cb684]

I would look at the wavelength distribution of the bulbs you are about to buy, and would be less worried about how the bulbs are named (which may be why you are getting conflicting information). So, get most of your light with higher wavelengths peaks between 400 and 500 nm and a smaller peak around 660 nm. The rest of the spectrum is more about aesthetics than functionality.
Good luck.

 

[Bpb]

I love using actinics in the mix. Blue+ with an actinic for dawn dusk looks stellar. My 8 bulb combo is

Blue+
Blue+
True actinic
Purple+
6500k
Blue+
True actinic
Coral+

 

[11cmortarman]

Ive decided to go with 2 aquablue specials and 4 blue plus....If I had an 8 bulb fixture I think I would of put in at least 1 true actinic. Ive decided to go with high par bulbs this time. I will probably order a purple plus and 2 actinic to give me some flexibility.