Royal blue vs actinic

[Flatbrook]

I have a custom sea life power compact over my 55 mixed and it's time to change the bulbs. Apron looking for bulbs I am finding more royal blue bulbs than actinic. What is the difference and what bulb is better for corals? I currently have 2 65w 10000k whites and 2 65w ultra actinics. I plan on replacing all 4.
Thanks, Scott.

 

[Nuocmam]

I have a custom sea life power compact over my 55 mixed and it's time to change the bulbs. Apron looking for bulbs I am finding more royal blue bulbs than actinic. What is the difference and what bulb is better for corals? I currently have 2 65w 10000k whites and 2 65w ultra actinics. I plan on replacing all 4.
Thanks, Scott.

I've never run PowerCompacts but with T5's actinic is more of a purple/violet lamp, 420nm, and a blue bulb is exactly that a blue lamp that peaks closer to 450nm. I would try replacing 2 of your Actinics with 2 blue lamps.

 

[Flatbrook]

I was thinking of trying them, I just don't want any of the corals to be affected.

 

[Nuocmam]

Has it been a long time since you replaced the lamps?

 

[Flatbrook]

I had the reef setup for about a year in my old house. Took it down to move. It was in storage for about 6 years before setting it back up about 6 months ago. To make a long story short, bulbs have never been replaced! I would like to transition over to LED, but just not affordable at this time. I have had great luck with the power compact, so figure I will just keep them going for a while.

 

[Nuocmam]

Oh ok... So whatever corals you have in there in here now have only been under the light for 6months or so. I think they'd probably enjoy the new light. If they seem upset you could always do things to acclimate them to the new light. Reduce photoperiod, raise the light until they get used to the new intensity, use window screen layers and remove layers gradually, or even placing what you have all low on the sand and slowly moving them back up.