pc lighting configuration

this is my lighting configuration. how would you configure the bulb im getting new ones and was wondering if i showld stay this way or add more actinic 420-460nm combos instead of the combo actinic-10000k. and has anyone ever converted a square pin bulb to a staight pin bulb and if so how did you do it? i would like to use the staight pin cause they are cheaper at my lfs and they have true actinic 03 and full 10000k in those . i hate the combo bulbs.

 

guess no one can help

 

I would go 4 actinic and 2 10,000 K

 

Why more actinic? I thought more light was better.

 

When we talk about more light, we mean intensity. You can have more light with actinics than with 6500k or 10000k. The kelvin and number is just a spectrum number with regards to where the light color is located on the spectrum.
Actinic lights are better for your corals in that, that end of the spectrum is pertinent to them as far as food for their zooanthellae. Also, the red end of the spectrum will aid in the growth of nuisance microalgae. Although actinic bulbs don't last as long as the colors at the other end of the spectrum, they are more beneficial. I would go with either 50/50 and actinics or 10000k in the front and actinics in the back.
Eye appeal is another thing to look at. Actinics offer a deeper water/ bluer tank while the 6500-10000k bulbs offer a lighter shallower lagoon biotrope. Actinics will make your fish and corals flouresce much better with vibrant greens and oranges for example.
Take a look at some example of different lighting combinations in different websites regarding metal halides and power compact lighting.
have fun and good luck!

 

Hmmm, so I have 3 93w PCs, and my lighting scheme is right down the middle. One is actinic, one is 10000K daylight, and the third is 50/50. I have another actinic layin around for replacement down the road, but should I have 2 actinics and 1 50/50? Would that help with my red slime situation?

 

I don't think it would matter a whole lot as far as the color that you have now. If you had all 6700k bulbs, then I would say yes, as the cooler color bulbs( towards the yellow/red end of the spectrum) aid in the growth of red slime algae. Are you able to leave on some of the lights or when you shut off the switch they all go out? The reason i'm asking this is, that it is good to be able to leave the actinics on longer at night and turn them on first at the beginning of the day to represent dawn and dusk. Helps in spawning and less stress especially on corals.

 

I just order 2 65W 12K PC and 2 65W new actinics. I currently have 2 65W 10K and 2 65W actinics. I was going to go with MH but than I would have to upgrade my chiller. I'm planning on adding another strip light, so I should add two more actinics instead of more day light.

 

You don't necessarilly have to upgrade your chiller by adding a metal halide light fixture. Add a fan or keep it higher up above your tank. I just love the benefits of metal halides and the coloration with the ripple effect which actually pierces deep into the corals Zooanthellae offering more intense light every second like a magnifying glass.

 

I'll upgrade when the summer is over.