PC lamp Replacement

[GregAW]

Well, I've run into a problem. Over my frag/reef tank my Power Compact lights have all but dimmed to the point where they don't make even a good night light. So I contacted Marine Depot for their recommendation and they suggest I get 2 of the Coralife 65 Watt Dual Actinic 03/7100K Blue PowerCompact Bulb - Straight Pins. Here comes the problem, they don't have them in stock and don't expect them for 2 or 3 more week. I placed this order 2 weeks ago. Now they recommend I go with either Coralife 65 Watt 7100K Blue PowerCompact Bulb. or Coralife 65 Watt Actinic 03 PowerCompact Bulb.

I've got a 250 Watt 14000K Metal Halide Bulb - Phoenix, Double-Ended in shipment.

I can replace the straight pin receptacles with the square pin design but I didn't want to do all that just now. What is the recommendation of you gurus? I want the best color pop and growth for the buck.

Thanks,

 

[Amphiprion]

The actinic will probably give you a stronger fluorescence than the blue bulb. You've got plenty of PAR from your halide lamps, so I'd shoot for the actinic over the blue. I can't tell you which bulb has higher amount of PAR without testing them, though I'd assume the blue bulbs do have somewhat higher PAR. Which bulbs only come in square pin configuration?

 

[GregAW]

Thanks Amph, I'll order the 03's. There are more square pin bulbs to choose from and they are in stock all the time.

 

[GregAW]

What about running both a 7100K blue and a Actinic 03 light for the best results?