Lighting question

[leeac]

Hi all,

 

I just purchased a JBJ 36w clamp light with a combo 50/50(actinic and 10,000k bulb) light. I was wondering if its better to upgrade and use just a 36w 10,000k bulb or is the 50/50 bulb better to light my 10g reef tank(leather, shrooms and softies)? Is the actinic part just for show or is it really necessary? I want to get the most bang for my 36 watts.

 

Thanks

[jjharrisx4]

dude...use the 50/50 bulb, or better yet, consider adding another bulb and use one of each. many corals come from deeper water, and need light in the blue spectrum. Your ten gal isn't deep enough to filter the white down so you'll need some actinic to be successful. Also, the corals you mentioned will look better under the actinic combo. I have a 15gal tall with 2x36w (1 10k and 1 actinic). It looks great.

[printerdown01]

Def use the 50/50 combo. Even in Hawaii, at 10 feet, there is very little red light. A flashlight is needed to see the "true" colors of everything.

[leeac]

Thanks for all your help buds. I will definitely use the 50/50.