which is better???

I have a question regarding power compact bulbs. It's time to replace and my fixture has a dual daylight 130w side and a dual actinic 130w side. The daylight are pretty much cut and dried as far as my options but I have 2 choices when it comes to the actinic. The choices are, 10,000K and 460nm OR 460nm and 420nm. I;m at a loss as far as which would be better for my corals in a 55gal tank.. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

Welcome to 3reef.

If you go with the white only then get the 460 and 420 combo. Otherwise go with 4 of 10000K and 460nm.

 

Thanks for the help, so you are saying that the 10,000K and 460 will be "bluer" than the 460&420??

 

You're welcome, no the 10000K and 460nm will not be bluer but it will produce more PAR in the tank which may help your corals grow better. In my experience the 6700K of the daylight combo can cause corals to brown.

 

OK, gotcha, but I can control the daylight seperate from the actinic, so the actinic comes on first and goes off last,,,you still recommend the 10,000K ?

 

Yes I would go with pure 10000K.

 

THANKS SO MUCH,, Happy reefing