MH users, do you also use actinics?

[SaltyFlip]

I still am using PC's and barely know a dime on MH's, though I'm doing research. If you don't use Actinics, how's the coral growth? Also, how do you maintain your temp and how often do you change your bulb (some people have it for 6 others for 12)?

Thanks in advance

 

[ryangrieder]

if your not using any other bulbs then go with a higher k. 14k. 20k. ect... im running a phenoix 14k with 4 different actinic t-5

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

On my main tank I run 20k Mh's and VHO actinic....And no it does not look like a tidy bowl tank....:splitspin

 

[CDANN76]

I was using 4x65 w pc with 2x175 14k halides.but swapped out the pcs for 12 cree blue leds(going to switch to 10k halides soon).and I change my halide bulbs at the 8-9 month mark..hth..

 

[SaltyFlip]

Thanks for the reply guys, from what I got on this site and a few others is that nobody runs MH without some form of Actinics. I'm currently looking at the Ecoxotic site for Actinic LED's; searching for reviews on them.

 

[dacaptain78]

I run two 250 watt MH 20K on my 90 gallon reef without any supplemental lighting. My corals grow well. I use fans to keep temp in check.

 

[SaltyFlip]

Hey capt. do you have a pic of yours? I'm really interested in running MH without the Actinic because this old apt. can't handle all that equipment plus 2 Air-Conditioners...can't even handle 2 AC's and the microwave. I bought the Actinic Ecoxotic LED strip but if I upgrade my tank I'll have to buy a better strip or add another setup.

 

[Bob 1000]

I haven't used mh in about 2 years.. Everybody has seen my colors.. They aren't a must especially with reeflux 12k 400 watt single ended.. This also cuts down on cost..

 

[SaltyFlip]

Hey Bob, so you didn't use any supplemental lighting when you used MH? Also, what cuts down on cost? Sorry I'm slow, the wine's taking some effect.