Lighting question

[nikipate]

I was wondering if anyone could give me a quick answer here.....

We are trying to order a high-wattage compact fluorescent light fixture for our 150 gallon. The ones that we like the best come with full spectrum bulbs and actinic bulbs. The company has said that they can't switch out the bulbs and to get totally full spectrum lights we would have to buy an additional $40 bulb. My question is will the actinic bulb do anything for the plants (which is why we are buying the new fixture) or will having half of the light be actinic are we just cutting down on the light that will help the plants. We would like to get this ordered tonight so if anyone can help I would appreciate it.......

Thanks,
Niki

[Glasstapper]

I'm stumped here. There's gotta be someone on who's knowledgeable with plant lights.....?

[nikipate]

I'm stumped here. There's gotta be someone on who's knowledgeable with plant lights.....?

Hey guys... don't worry about being in any hurry. I'm gonna give it up and get ready for bed (have to be up at 3:30 am). If anybody has the info I'll check back after work tomorrow.

Thanks

[Chrona]

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Sounds like the intensity trumps the spectrum. Although it may cause algae problems? Basically what I'm getting is that the deeper you go down, the more non-blue is absorbed, so actinic was developed for reef systems in mind, but all plants can absorb all spectrums to some extent. Although you may not like the bluish look

I'll look around a bit more