actinic lights

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by euthyphro, Dec 26, 2006.

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  1. euthyphro

    euthyphro Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    110
    Location:
    Mesa AZ
    I have been trying for the longest time to figure out what actinic lights are needed for.. do they aid in the process of photosynthesis? is it good to turn on actinics first then halides for reefs in order to adjust the orgainisms to the light gradually? Do they need to be very powerful in order to be effective- halides seem to be infinately more powerful than actinics!!!

    Any other thoughts on actinics?:-/
     
    euthyphro, Dec 26, 2006
    euthyphro, Dec 26, 2006
    #1

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  2. Bruce

    Bruce Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2004
    Messages:
    3,531
    Location:
    Los Angeles, California
    Good Question. Its all about wave lengths. Actinic lights produce light usually at a wave length of 420 nm. During photosynthesis chlorophyll in the corals zooxanthellae absorbs light near this wavelength.
     
    Bruce, Dec 26, 2006
    Bruce, Dec 26, 2006
    #2
  3. Diver_1298

    Diver_1298 Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2004
    Messages:
    1,268
    Location:
    Lakeland, Fl
    It's also an aesthetic thing. Actinic lighting makes the corals that are able to Fluoresce ( glow ) with a nice color :)
    Enjoy

    Jim
     
    Diver_1298, Dec 28, 2006
    Diver_1298, Dec 28, 2006
    #3