Question on lighting.

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pcfriedrich

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Apr 2, 2008
1,600
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North Central Florida
I recently bought a new bulb for my SA/CA aquarium. Its a Coralife brand 100% actinic 03 blue peaks at 420 nanometers (really don't know what any of that means, just reading from the label). I was hoping it would be the ideal light to bring out the colors in my JD and Gold Saum. Turns out to be WAY too blue.

Just wondering if anyone has any recomendations for the ideal light for such a tank. I noticed they also sell a 50/50 (blue/daylight), would that possibly be what I'm looking for? Or maybe something on the other end of the spectrum.

I've only ever run "daylight" bulbs, so any advice would be appreciated.
 
You might have to try several different bulbs before you find out what you like best. I like the light from 50/50's a lot. You can just get a 50/50 bulb for your coralife.
 
that's what I was thinking. just wanted to get other opinions before I return this one. I gotta take the bus, and don't want to make any more trips than necessary.
 
10,000K is always a good light to start with. The actinic is used for saltwater tanks. It can be used on freshwater tanks, but I personally don't like them on freshwater tanks.
 
WyldFya;1942876; said:
10,000K is always a good light to start with. The actinic is used for saltwater tanks. It can be used on freshwater tanks, but I personally don't like them on freshwater tanks.
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yeah, the label said "for saltwater, reef and freshwater aquariums". and it was like $30, so I figured it would be best. its clearly made for reefs, though. it makes my water look bright blue, without really bringing out any color in my fish.

so a 50/50 probably wouldn't be so good either then? right now I'm using a coralife daylight. I don't know anything else about it, except that its old and could be better.
 
These Coralife bulbs need to be replaced at least every year I think. Maybe the bulb you're using is just old and the light is a lot weaker as a result.
 
every year? no ****? this bulb, its gotta be 8 years old. at least.
 
Well according to "manufaturer's specifications" they should be replaced more frequently than every 8 years. That's not because they stop working but because they gradually lose their intensity. Get a new bulb of the same type and I bet you'll see a huge difference when compared to your 8-year old bulb.
 
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