Anyone still use Actinics?

ReeferReefer · Nov 24, 2015

Im thinking about replacing the bulbs on my Tek 6 bulb T5 fixture and I am running 2 Blue +, Fiji Purple, Actinic and Aquablue special. Looking at peoples T5 combos people are not using actinics much anymore? Is there a reason for this? I was thinking about replacing it with a Coral + or something like that.

reefrider777 · Nov 24, 2015

I am still using actinic VHO's!!

cb684 · Nov 24, 2015

I am using but I may change soon. Right now i use 4 blue + 2 coral +, 1 FP, and 1 actinic. I just pre ordered the new 450nm E5 from euroaquatics so I will either replace the actinic or the FP.

whatchamacallit · Nov 24, 2015

Just ordered bulbs for my new 8 bulb. Per the recommendation of a trustworthy vendor on here I'll be running a good variety of actinic

ReeferReefer · Nov 24, 2015

For sure. I guess people just dont like it because it lowers the PAR rating for the amount of bulbs? I like the pop it gives though.

gus6464 · Nov 24, 2015

ReeferReefer said:
For sure. I guess people just dont like it because it lowers the PAR rating for the amount of bulbs? I like the pop it gives though.

That is false. PAR meters suck for measuring violet spectrum. In the 410nm range the Apogee meter measures ~3x less PAR than it is actually putting out. Also violet is the second best spectrum after 450nm for penetration in the water. Actinics in reality put out a lot of PAR. Violet is the spectrum in which the human eye is least sensitive to so while it may look dim, the amount of PUR violet puts out is only bested by 450-460nm blue.

ReeferReefer · Nov 24, 2015

gus6464 said:
That is false. PAR meters suck for measuring violet spectrum. In the 410nm range the Apogee meter measures ~3x less PAR than it is actually putting out. Also violet is the second best spectrum after 450nm for penetration in the water. Actinics in reality put out a lot of PAR. Violet is the spectrum in which the human eye is least sensitive to so while it may look dim, the amount of PUR violet puts out is only bested by 450-460nm blue.

Thanks for explaining this. My actinics always look so much dimmer than the other bulbs I was wondering if it is just going out sooner? But that makes sense. So they work well for coral growth too then? I guess it was my impression that they where mainly for looks.

WesF · Nov 24, 2015

It's because T5 HO actinics in general are pretty underwhelming compared to the old VHO actinic bulbs and the blue + bulbs give you plenty of pop with wider spectrum.

gus6464 · Nov 24, 2015

ReeferReefer said:
Thanks for explaining this. My actinics always look so much dimmer than the other bulbs I was wondering if it is just going out sooner? But that makes sense. So they work well for coral growth too then? I guess it was my impression that they where mainly for looks.

Violet spectrum is for chloro A. Blue is for chloro B. LED manufacturers love to use red for chloro A because the LEDs are cheaper than a good violet. Problem is the human eye is sensitive to red so a lot of it will be noticeable. Also red spectrum sucks for penetration in the water. I stack heavy violet in my lighting. Really good PAR and doesn't mess with other colors aesthetically.