Power Compacts

[hnokaoi]

I am replacing my power compact lights and do not know which ones to get. White 6700k or 10,000k and actinic 03 or 7100k blue. What is the best combination of white and blue bulbs? Thank you!

[Hardhead Cat]

I use half and half - half actinic 03 and half 10,000 k. But you might have your LFS show you how they look on actual tanks too, at least it will give you some idea...

Good luck!
HHC

[Wiskey]

I'm assuming you have 2 bulbs?

If I were you, I would buy one Atinic "Blue" and one 10K. The atinic "Blue" puts off nearly double the light the atinic "03" Or True atinic does, plus it's a brigher, more pleasing blue color to the eye IMHO.

Whiskey

[Loverotties]

It all depends on what you like.Some like it bluer then others.But I rather look and see what the corals like(not yourself).

[DarthOcellaris]

yup, I say get 50/50 too

Wiskey, do actinic 03's have any benefit over a 'true blue'? Or is it all just preference? Is that like comparing a 10K to a 20K bulb?

[ckusnierek]

The daylight 6500K bulbs while they provide the most PAR they are yellow/orange in color. I like the 50/50's

[hnokaoi]

Looking to buy 4 65w PC bulbs. Trying to increase the output a bit. I'm thinking of buying 2 10,000k bulbs and 2 50/50 bulbs half being 10,000k and the other being actinic or 7100k. What would be best? I would lose the blue cycle before and after the white light comes on and off if I go this way but would it increase the light output?

[Jadinop]

Two 10k and two 50/50 will definately give you more light. While the morning/evening effect with actinics is eye pleasing, it's not a necessity. Not sure what brand you are looking for but Current bulbs are much brighter than Coralife bulbs. I have compared them side by side in the same fixture and the Current bulb is visibly brighter without a doubt.

[Phishnoob]

Yep check into this. I bought the wrong blue and it is way too purple. Dawn and dusk are Tokyo by night.

We have just a 2 x 65w on a 2 foot long tank.

The 10K white is crisp and perfect.