Actinics with limited space?

[BCT182]

I have a luminarc stealth hanging over my open top oceanic cube, the reflector is 14.5"x14.5".

The cube is 20"x22" I think....

Is there any way type of lighting system I could add to suppliment actincs? Maybe a spolight I could angle from back? Some t-5's under 24" in length?

I also considered adding three 13 watt 8" actinics inside the pendant, behind the glass. Do you think I would create a noticeable block in light from the halide? Would I even notice a difference in the color or would my 250DE wash out 36watts of PC lighting?

Thanks in advance
Brett

 

[Krish]

250DE wash out 36watts of PC lighting?

I'm thinking it would Brett, but could be wrong. Do you want the actinics for a dusk/dawn effect or just to add a bit more blue to the mix? If you just want a tint more blue added in and not dusk/dawn effect, it may be easier to just use a higher kelvin rated bulb. Just a thought in the meantime till the others chime in

 

[BCT182]

Well, I love the neons of actincs without halides, but I also want to make the corals POP! a little more. I already have the 20k XM on there. I am running the new HQI Icecap ballast and it seens to make the bulb run a crisper white with blue tint.

Another option I just found is an 18" 20watt T5. If I built a closed hood, I could mount three, one on the front and one on each side. I know t5s are intense, but would they be bright enough?

 

[Krish]

Ahh...Cool! When I ran a 20K XM on a regular PFO Ballast it was real blue! It's amazing what the ballast will do to the bulb's spectrum. Guess the light pro's will soon chime in. Good luck!

 

[BCT182]

also I see theres a 420nm and a 460nm bulb. Which one will make things glow more?

 

[tigerarmy40]

420nm is more purple looking and makes your green and blues really pop