super actinic-7100 k

[opaleski]

I bought a tank that was used for salt water. I am going to use it for fresh water with live plants. It came with new "Super Actinic" VHO light bulbs. Will these work for a planted tank? Tank dim.- 96" x 24"w x 30' deep. Bulbs are 160 watt each.

 

[ErrorS]

They're not very efficient so the WPG rule doesn't work as well with NOs. VHOs are good lighting though. How many do you have? if it's two, I would consider getting a bit more lighting for any plant that requires 'high lighting' personally.

I'm a newb to plants myself but I did deal with all kinds of lighting with my reef, I'm sure someone that knows more will correct me if I'm wrong.

edit: Oh, you said actinic.. a super actinic, eh? Assuming that's a 50/50, that really isn't suitable for freshwater plants. Your tank will look a bit on the dark side if you only have two and a lot more of that actinic (taking up half of the output) is being wasted than would be on a normal daylight bulb..

 

[ergo sum]

I can’t figure out why that is a 7100K Bulb but I am thinking it is not a full spectrum bulb but specifically 7100. If that is true you don’t want to use it. The really important thing is that the bulb has more spectrum. I noticed recently that ADA uses 8000K lights. I myself have used 10,000K lights. Most people use 6500K lights and some people use 5000k lights.

There seems to be a wide range. I am curious is the bulb blue? Also when you put it on the tank does the light look white?