Replacing PC Lights: 10k vs. 8800k vs. CSL Smartlamps

[onel_marcelo]

I have a 37g reef with CusomSeaLife power compacts. Currently, I have one 65w 8800k bulb and one 65w actinic. It's time to replace my bulbs and I'm looking at various options. I have both soft corals (a couple of leather corals) and hard corals in my tank.

First option, keep similar setup but was wondering if I sure go with 10,000k bulb or stick with a 8800k bulb? Is the 10k bulb too blue looking? Which bulb is better the coral growth?

Second option, replace the bulbs with smartlamp bulbs from CSL. The only reason why I'm considering this option is to have a more even distribution of both the daylight and actinic light since I could arrange the bulbs so they alternate (i.e. daylight, actinic, daylight, actinic). This could benefit my tank since I have some tall corals which produce shadows and block one or the other light spectrum. My concern with Smartlamps is that CSL states that the Actinic peaks at 460nm. I thought true Actinic were supposed to peak at 420nm. Unfortunately, CSL does not provide information on where the 7100k Actinic bulb peaks.

Any insight would be appreciated.
:?:

 

[Larry Grenier]

I have 5 PCs over my tank. Look at my web-page to see what I have. Next time I'll trade the 6700k for a 10000k or another 50/50. If you look at HelloLights web site, you'll see that their actinic bulbs peak at 420. Some are on sale too :wink:

I sugest doing a little more research on those 7100K bulbs before you purchase. If they don't say "actinic that peak around 420", they're probably not what you want. My actinic PCs make stuff like green shrooms and GSP and others glow like actinic VHOs do. I'll bet the 7100K bulbs are just blue bulbs.

 

[onel_marcelo]

Thanks for the info. I had never heard of HelloLights but will check them out.

I noticed on your web site that you are using the Remona Pro skimmer. I'm thinking about getting the Urchin Pro (the sumo version of the Remona) and was wondering how you like the Remona??

 

[Larry Grenier]

It think it'e great for a 55 or a 75, maybe even 90. Got mine used in good shape so it was even a better deal

 

[Court Jester]

To answer one of your questions, the 10k bulbs are a crisp white to my eye. The smartlamps will give you a white look with a hit of blue (again, to my eye).