Actinics: 420nm or 460nm?

[arman]

I am in need of some new t5 bulbs and i am a little confused about what type to get. When looking at actinics I've seen different nm's for sale and was wondering what the difference is for coral, and visually between 420nm and 460nm?

 

[Myteemouse]

460 is blue 420 is more purple I believe

 

[Myteemouse]

I may have it backwards

 

[arman]

Also i was wondering, since my t5 fixture can hold 8 bulbs, what combination of 12000 K lights and actinics should i use?

 

[arman]

460 is blue 420 is more purple I believe

does it matter which one i use for coral health?

 

[MrGone]

I'd go with 420, they really make things pop but don't look quite as bright as the 460's to our eyes watt for watt.

 

[MrGone]

Also i was wondering, since my t5 fixture can hold 8 bulbs, what combination of 12000 K lights and actinics should i use?

ohh, I'd grab one or a couple of both in that case.

 

[NC2WA]

this is a good read and should answer your question:

http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/equipment/32731-t5-actinic-460nm-420nm.html

 

[jrgilles]

I have 4 compact fluorescent bulbs in my setup (+ MH)

For the CF, I have 2X420 and 2 hybrid (half 420, half 460)

460 doesn't have as much output in the 380-420 range, but I like the color and they look a lot brighter to our eyes.

I bought them from hamilton, you can check out the spectrum readouts there.

420 (super actenic 03):
http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/item/54-Watt-T5-HO-True-Super-Actinic-03-Blue-420NM-Bulb-1753

460 (spectrum image isn't as high res, but gives you an idea):
http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/item/54-Watt-T5-HO-Actinic-Royal-Blue-460NM-Bulb-1997

 

[johnpeezy]

On my tank which has 4 t5 hos i use a 420 nm a 435nm a 460 nm and a 14 or 15 k bulb

 

[arman]

Thanks for the help everyone I think that im going to go for a combo of two 420nm, two 460nm, three 12000k, and one 10000k