has anyone used actinic lighting in a planted aquarium? Do they help with plants? i love the way it makes the tank look but am wondering if i would be better of switching to a different kind of bulb
Actinic lighting for plants
- Thread starter LoneWolfHand
- Start date
right now i have 2 50w flouresent fixtures, and a light with 2x65w 10000 c bulbs and 2x65w actinics, not much on plants right now but plan on adding more
Like said above, Actinic lighting is meant more for saltwater. But I also have it over my tank to bring the color of my fish out. Otherwise it wont do anything for the plants.
I went with a 50/50 bulb instead of a 6500K bulb when I first set up my tank because I liked how the blue of the actinic made things look.
Now I wish I had gone with the 6500K because I'm having trouble growing nice plants. Lesson learned.
Now I wish I had gone with the 6500K because I'm having trouble growing nice plants. Lesson learned.
I actinic lighting all that you have on your tank? If so, try and mis at least 50/50 actinic/6500K or 10000K. I prefer the 10000K. The do a great job at 24" with the shorter plants.
I recently switched 1 of the 2 6700k bulbs to an actinic bulb and have noticed slightly slower growth but it is not useless.
If you like the look go ahead and use it. As long as you're not barely scraping by with enough light you should be fine.
If you like the look go ahead and use it. As long as you're not barely scraping by with enough light you should be fine.