Adding Actinic To MY MH Lighting

[SnowManSnow]

Hey guys,

I'm going to add some actinic lighting to my MH system (but it is going to be a challenge because of space requirements in my canopy). My question is this... how much Actinic 03 (looking at PC lighting for temp and space) will give me a bluer look in my tank??? Would 2X 13 watt retros be enough? Should i up it higher? They will be about 12 inches from the water surface too.

Im working with 2 spaces that are about 9 inches wide, but 13 inches long .. The lights will go on either side of my MH Pendant that hangs down into an open top open back canopy. ( I can fudge on the length if I have too a little, but no more than an inch or two).

What retro kits will give me the most actinic light in that small of a space?

Any ideas???

Thanks,,

B.

 

[Anonymous]

I know you are looking at PC's, but have you considered VHO or T5's?

 

[SnowManSnow]

I was thinking that VHO's or T5's would take up more room? Aren't they normally bigger bulbs??

 

[Anonymous]

VHO's are 1.5" dia and t5's are 5/8" dia. IIRC PC's are t5 that are bent into a U shape so they would be 1.25"+ wide. I like VHO personally, although I have never used PC ot T5's. Just seen them on others tanks.

 

[SnowManSnow]

I think I'll just go with a bluer spect. MH Bulb maybe the aqualine AB 20k. I don't really need more wattage, I just want better color rendition.

B.

 

[Anonymous]

I hear some of the 14k bulbs are nice. Again never tried them.