Need actinics on MH reef tank

[lifequestion]

I've got a 20 gallon tall with a canopy handcrafted to house a 150w MH retrofit kit with a 10k bulb. I've had it in for a couple months now and my tank loves it, but it looks a little too yellow for me.

There's not a whole lot of space to fit actinics. I'm trying to figure out how I can throw some in. Do they make any really tiny ones?

[biowheel]

Have you tried or thought of changing the bulb ?
http://www.marineandreef.com/HQI_Met...p/rcu02069.htm

[quader94]

maybe intense blue leds if your tight on space, or change to a 14k bulb

[lifequestion]

Isn't lower K better for coral growth though?? I don't want to please myself at the expense of my critters.

[lifequestion]

Originally Posted by quader94

maybe intense blue leds if your tight on space, or change to a 14k bulb

Where can I find LEDs bright enough? Most of what I've been able to find are moonlights.

[Jadinop]

Try a different 10k bulb if you want a different look. The Reeflux 10k bulb is very white compared to a Coralife 10k which is very yellow, for example. Ushio 10k's are also a bright white. There is no standard among bulb manufactures and one companies 10k bulb can vary greatly from another in color.

You also want to make sure you have the right ballast. Some brands of bulbs will only burn the correct color using an electronic ballast.

[mxracer19]

Go to lowes and buy a 24" dual T5 fixture for $20. Theyre just metal boxes and they come disassembled without bulbs. Pick up an 8' grounded extension cord while youre at it. Open the box, unscrew the ballast, grab the endcaps and throw the rest away. Go buy 2 14W actinic bulbs. Install the endcaps, cut off the female end of the extension cord and wire the ballast, hook the endcaps up to the ballast following the little picture right on the ballast, put the bulbs in, and plug it into a timer. 2-hour DIY actinics for $55.

PM me for details.
-Matt

[fihsboy]

You know I was wondering about the 24" inch T5 fixtures at home depot.....the ballasts says they can push over what a T5HO bulb is.....so can they hold T5HO? if they can, were talking SEARIOUS savings.