replacement bulbs from AH supply?

[cath]

Last time I ordered replacement from AH supply, this is what I got:

1 55W 6700K compact bulb 11556
1 55W Actinic part no. 11557

I looked at the bulbs tonight, and they are labled:

Sho Light
55W Actinic Blue
2G11 Germany

and

Sylvania
CF -LE 55W/860
25689

Now when I look at their current offerings this is what I see for my size tank:


55 21.2" 5300K 12,000 11555 $21.99
55 21.1" 6400K 10,000 15564 $18.99
55 21.1" 10000K 12,000 11551 $25.99
55 21.1" Dark Blue 12,000 11557 $25.99
55 21.1" 10000K/Dk.B 12,000 15517 $25.99

I know I'm bein' picky with details here, but why the difference in the previous 6700K and now the 6400K, and is the Dark Blue the same as actinic?

[hamburglar]

Cath,

I have a little info for you. I bought some of these bulbs recently and I can fill you in on some details.


Part Number 15564 - 55 watt 6400k
This bulb has a little bit of yellow in it. I do not think this bulb looks attractive without being mixed with Actinic bulbs in a 1-1 ratio.

Part Number 11557 - 55 watt Dark Blue
This bulb is so dark it's almost purple. It makes bright corals shine like it's a black light. These bulbs are darker than the last "Actinic" bulbs I ordered around 2 years ago, but i like them better.


I currently run four 6400K's with two Dark Blue's. I think my tank is a little on the yellow side. It will be time to replace mine in a couple of months. I plan on ordering two 6400k's, two Dark Blue's, and two 10000K/Dk.B's.

I have used the 13 watt version of the 10000K/Dk.B bulb on my mini reef and it is quite on the blue side. The blue half of the bulb is like one of the dark blue's, and the 10000k side of the bulb is a crisp white. I will try the 55 watt version in place of a pair of 6400k's to get my tank a little bluer next go-round.

I can take some pics for you if you want them.

[cath]

Chris-

That is excellent information! Just exactly what I was wondering. So I would get 2 x 55, one the dark blue and the other the (yellowish) white.

Now how big is your tank? And sure! send pix!

[hamburglar]

Yes, I think that would look good. It should have a hint of blue like that. I sent you some pics to your e-mail.

[Mickadee]

I just got my lights today from them they look really good I got the 2 55 watt combo 10,000k/drk blue and am very pleased with the look of the tank..
Mike