actinic vs full spectrum lights

[faldo]

I've been running full spectrum LEDs for about six months now, but my Acropora aren't coloring up like I expected. Has anyone switched from full spectrum to actinic and seen better results? My tank's a 75-gallon mixed reef with two Clowns, a Yellow Tang, and a Cleaner Shrimp. Par readings are around 300 at the top, 150 mid-level.

[greenwrix]

Actinic lighting can definitely enhance fluorescence in SPS corals, especially blues and purples. I run a hybrid setup with T5 actinics supplementing my LEDs. What's your current light schedule? If you're peaking at 300 PAR, that's solid for Acros, but spectrum matters more than intensity for color. Try ramping up the blue channel gradually.

[tiderun]

Actinic lighting can definitely enhance fluorescence in SPS corals, especially blues and purples. I run a hybrid setup with T5 actinics supplementing my LEDs. What's your current light schedule? If you're peaking at 300 PAR, that's solid for Acros, but spectrum matters more than intensity for color. Try ramping up the blue channel gradually.

Totally agree. My Acros looked washed out under full spectrum alone. Added two T5 Blue Plus bulbs, and within weeks the polyps started popping. Faldo, what salt mix are you using? Some blends lack trace elements that help with coloration.

[darktide]

Man, I just chucked in whatever lights the LFS sold me. My Zoas are vibing though, so maybe I got lucky? Tank's a 40-gallon with a pair of Damsels and a Goby. Lights are some no-name LED thingy. Should I even mess with actinics if everything's chill?

[Magpie]

If your Zoas are happy, no need to fix what isn't broken. But if you ever dive into SPS or LPS, spectrum becomes critical. I've got a Red Sea Reefer 250 with a mix of Kessil and T5. The actinics make my Duncanopsammia look insane at dawn. Darktide, what's your photoperiod? Even softies can benefit from a gradual ramp.

[faldo]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll try tweaking the blues first before swapping fixtures. Using Red Sea Coral Pro salt, and my Alk stays around 8.5 dKH. Might grab a T5 retrofit if the LED adjustment doesn't cut it.

[mason]

Actinics are game-changers for color, no doubt. I run Orphek bars on my 120-gallon and the Montipora fluoresce like crazy. Faldo, how old are your bulbs? Even LEDs lose spectrum over time. Also, check your magnesium levels, low Mg can mute colors.

[dawnsea]

I've noticed my Euphyllia respond better to full spectrum during the day but love the actinics at dusk. Could it be a timing thing? My setup's a 60-cube with AI Hydras. Maybe try a longer blue-heavy period before sunset.

[postman]

Actinics are game-changers for color, no doubt. I run Orphek bars on my 120-gallon and the Montipora fluoresce like crazy. Faldo, how old are your bulbs? Even LEDs lose spectrum over time. Also, check your magnesium levels, low Mg can mute colors.

Yep, seconding the Mg check. My tank was dull until I bumped Mg to 1350. Also, Faldo, what's your nitrate sitting at? Too clean can bleach Acros.

[jakarta]

My tank's only softies, so I'm clueless about SPS, but I love how actinics make my Ricordea glow. Maybe borrow a T5 fixture to test before buying? LFS near me rents gear for cheap.