Power compacts seem real weak...

[Cypherman]

Hey,

I just got in my new power compacts and I must say, I'm sorely dissapointed. They're 2x65 watt 50/50 actinics and yet they're noticeably dimmer then my 2x40 watt full spectrum bulbs...That isnt right, is it? They dont appear to be old; the full spectrum half is blindingly bright if i look at it directly...Is it just because of the half-blue output? Should I buy a pair of 6500K bulbs, cuz I only bought this thing so that I could ditch my old fluorescents; I was told they would be much brighter.

Thanks

 

[HungryGoldfish]

Yes, the lights seem dimmer because of the blue output. Our eyes are not nearly as sensitive to blue light. Is not both parts of the bulb (50/50) putting out light nearer the blue?

I mean, I think the actinic is a blueish light, and the other half is 10000K light, which is blueish (or at least a lot more blue than a full spectrum).

These lights (50/50) are used for corals, right? Well if a coral could talk, it would tell you it thinks the 50/50 is a lot brighter than a full spectrum bulb.

 

[tylernt]

Yep the actinics do almost nothing for human eyes. The 6500Ks will be almost twice as bright.

 

[Hans]

i just returned my power compact, it was way to bright, i could not control my plants or algea, plus ciclids dont really care for retna burning wattage anyways, by the way, if you choose wisely, cichlids can be wicked cool!

 

[bayoupr]

I switched to power compacts and love them. I bought A 48" All Glass which comes with two 55w 9325 kelvin lamps. These are brighter than your 40w. The 50/50 are dimmer which is why I went with the whiter light. Brings out the colors in my Coporas.