Actinics Required?

Typlus5 · 08/30/2009, 04:27 AM

I just completed my 72 bow front canopy and MH retro install. Using 150W Pheonix 14K DE bulbs. The color is awesome and corals are popping!

Question is...do I have to add the Actinics to supplement photo or is it purely an asthetics issue?

Paul B · 08/30/2009, 05:25 AM

I have the same MH lighting as you and my corals do fine with no actinics which I removed last year

Typlus5 · 08/30/2009, 07:39 AM

Thanks Paul, sounds like sage advice coming from someone in the hobby that long!

Any other opinions out there?

username in use · 08/30/2009, 07:42 AM

I think its personal preferance at this point, as the 14k's should provide you with a good spectrum for growth, if you want more blue, than you need actinics, if not then you dont. But the corals should be happy under those.

cody6766 · 08/30/2009, 08:53 AM

I've had great growth under MH lighting alone as well as with actinic supplementation. I don't think there was a difference in rates between the two.

In short, it's up to your eyes. The coral don't care

08/30/2009, 04:27 AM	#1
Typlus5 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gonzales Louisiana Posts: 966	Actinics Required? I just completed my 72 bow front canopy and MH retro install. Using 150W Pheonix 14K DE bulbs. The color is awesome and corals are popping! Question is...do I have to add the Actinics to supplement photo or is it purely an asthetics issue?

08/30/2009, 05:25 AM	#2
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	I have the same MH lighting as you and my corals do fine with no actinics which I removed last year __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

08/30/2009, 07:39 AM	#3
Typlus5 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gonzales Louisiana Posts: 966	Thanks Paul, sounds like sage advice coming from someone in the hobby that long! Any other opinions out there? __________________ TY I'm sure there's a way...and I have the will Current Tank Info: 110 Reef Savvy rimless, 40B sump, Current EFlux Return, XR15 Pros w/Reef Link, BK Mini 180 skimmer, MP40wES...driven by Apex

08/30/2009, 07:42 AM	#4
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	I think its personal preferance at this point, as the 14k's should provide you with a good spectrum for growth, if you want more blue, than you need actinics, if not then you dont. But the corals should be happy under those. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

08/30/2009, 08:53 AM	#5
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	I've had great growth under MH lighting alone as well as with actinic supplementation. I don't think there was a difference in rates between the two. In short, it's up to your eyes. The coral don't care __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI