A little lighting help

[RebelReef]

Hey everyone, I have a Current Outer Orbit light fixture with (2) 150w metal halides and (2) 130w actinic PC's for a total of 560 watts. I also have a Current Sunpod fixture with (2) 250 metal halides for a total of 500 watts. Should I consider this 300 watts vs 500 watts? Or 560 watts vs 500 watts?

I'm trying to figure out if one light is better than the other. I like the fact that the Outer Orbit has actinics, but it that purely for "cosmetic"reasons? Or does it actually add to the the total PAR value? I've heard that actinics trigger photosynthesis, but I'm no expert.

Which ever one I use, will be going over a 90g tank. Mostly stocked with LPS, some SPS and a few softies.

Sorry if this is confusing...

[BloodyWelsh]

The actinic lights provide a good bit of the blue light that is neccessary for the zooxanthellae to produce the foods that the corals use. However, a tank will not do very well on actinic lights alone. I would say go with the 2 250s because the depth of the tank. If you put 15kk - 20kk bulbs you will get enough of the supplemental blue light without having to run actinic light. I hope that answers your questions...