2x6400k + 2 Actinice for a 75 gal

[nfinit1]

Hello All

I have a 75 gal, 2215 Eheim, 48in JEBO 4x55 power compact that I am setting up for live plants and angels

Should I use 2x6400k + 2xActinice???

Or

Just 4x6400 bulbs???


Why???


THanks

[NJ Devils Fan]

4 6400K bulbs because plants grow best between 5000K and 7000K.

[nfinit1]

Would the actinic help in anyway???

[TwoTankAmin]

Basically, intensity of light is more important the K. That said different bulbs will be better or less good for plansts. The main issue with the lights you select at any given wattage level is how they appear to you the viewer of the tank. The lower the K, such as the 4000k of the GE Plant&Aquarium bulbs gives the appearance of tannin stained water- ie a more yellow look. On the other hand actinic, being a very high K, will give a more white appearance.

The bulbs you select will also determine how fish colors appear. I prefer something in the 6700K range. In my 3wpg tank the bulbs on the front are 2 x 5300K and the one's on the rear are 2 x 6700K. You might want to try that. I think actinics are too white and will not bring out fw colors well.

[125gJoe]

Actinics don't "work" with freshwater aquariums, they are used on saltwater set-ups.

Link: Actinics (http://www.robharvey.com/lighting-moonlight.html)

Turn up your speakers and listen to the ocean... :)

[Slappy*McFish]

Well there are two different kinds of actinic lights that I am aware of..actinic white, and actinic blue. Actinic whites are actually 50/50 bulbs and some people do use them for planted tanks...though they really aren't needed and won't benefit the plants any better than 6400K lights. So I would go with your 4X6400K lights.

[djlen]

There are so many schools of thought on this lighting thing that I've just given up trying to figure it out.
I've found that a K rating in the 6's works best for me AND I like the light and the way it makes the tank look. I use the 6700K 'daylight' tube. It looks natural (to me) and the plants grow well. I have them in all my tanks.
I do think the wattage is a big factor and there is also the fact that there are types of light that the human eye can't even see, but plants grow better in.
I figure if 65 - 6700K is the closest to natural light that man is able to make and it looks good, why not.


Len