Bulbs

I need to replace one of my actinic bulbs cuz it looks like its gonna go soon. I'm in the process of finding a replacement and its a 96w bulb but that all I know. My question is what is the difference between 420nm power and 460nm power?

 

I don't think it refers to power but to light wave length.

 

Like the 10,000 right. I got a 125g tank would either wavelenghts be fine?

 

All true Blue actincs peak at the 420 nm level the 460 is junk and about worthless IMO.
Look for UVL lamps they are the best actinic on the market again IMO only

 

I use the Dual 420/460. I think the 420 side is the main side that promotes growth for coral s that like/need that wavelength. Some things may also benefit from the 460 side but I think it mainly makes some things "glow" . It's more like a black light.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/marineland_aquarium_lighting.php

Wavelength: This is another term that is important to understand, especially in the context of lamp descriptions such as full spectrum or peak wavelength. These terms refer to the wavelength output of the lamp or bulb. Actinic lights, for example, produce only light at a specific wavelength--420 nm. This peak wavelength value, which produces a very blue light, was chosen because during photosynthesis chlorophyll a absorbs light near this wavelength. To promote photosynthesis in reef coral, actinic lamps are used. Some lamps have two, or even three, peak wavelengths.

 

Great info thx. How about the sunpaq light?
One more question. I've got two lamps that currently house 1 96w 10k daylight bulb and 1 actinic bulb. Does that sound like the right setup. would it matter other than looks if i put 2 daylight lamps in the same one? I wouldnt do that cuz I like the blue bulbs, gives it a softer look, but just wondering
thx