T5 lighting question....opinions needed.

steri · #1 11/13/2007, 02:21 PM

OK, so I admit, my lighting is not the best in the world, but I think it's decent. Here's my situation, and then my question.

I have 3 fixtures on my tank (so 3 refelctors). 1 is a dual T5NO set up that I currently have 2 actninc bulbs in.

1 is a dual T5HO set up that has a 10k and a 14k bulb in it.

1 is a single strip T8 that has a 18k bulb in it.

So here's my question: Are actinic bulbs really THAT beneficial to the tank, or are they just there for looks? The reason I ask is because I think my tank would benefit some if I took out one of those NO actinics and replaced it with another 10k bulb. Would that be alright or in your opinions, should I just leave 2 actinics in the fixture?

Also, if I do switch the bulbs out, would it harm the NO fixture if I put a HO bulb in there? I only ask because it seems impossible to find NO 10k bulbs anymore.

Let me know what you think.

In case anyone is wondering. I mostly have softies in my tank with some frogspawn, hammers and shrooms.

steri · #2 11/13/2007, 04:42 PM

bump, any thoughts??

steri · #3 11/14/2007, 09:13 AM

bump for a new day.

pito · #4 11/15/2007, 06:56 PM

It's been argued weather or not corals actually benefit from actinic light. I feel that it's more for aesthetics. So in my opinion you would get better growth by adding an other 10k. If it looks too white, you could always try a 14k bulb. I'm not sure about putting an HO bulb in there. You'd have to ask someone else.