Can i use home depot T5 bulbs?

so im looking for actinic bulbs on Big als oinline. There are so many different types of actinic....

420nm
460nm
460nm Actinic
350nm-750nm

What are the differences?

If im going for the scenario we discussed (actinics on prior and after the halides are running) what bulb spectrum would you recommend. I hate this fixture, but to get this up and running with actinics on my tank its only going to cost about $30 which isnt bad at all.

 

The color they produce. The 420 is violet, not really blue, the 460 is a blue bulb. The 350-750 sounds like a full spectrum bulb, or at least is not just an actinic bulb. Technically, an actinic bulb is a violet bulb and then there are blue bulbs, but many people use the terms interchangeably. Either one will work for your purposes, but keep in mind that the 460 will be blue while the 420 is violet.

 

which is more commonly used for actinics prior to the halides firing up and prior to lights off then?

 

It doesn't matter that much, more of a personal preference. The 460nm is blue, so you'll have to deal with that color while the 420nm is purple. If using just to light up the tank prior to the MH, then it doesn't really matter, both will do the job. If you want to supplement, then the blue bulbs tend to have better PAR values. Traditionally, people use the actinic bulbs, but the blue bulbs are also very popular. You could do a 50/50 mix, I liked that color.

 

+1 I have had this problem and it stinks.

 

so it looks like my only real option is 2 of these:

Actinic 03 T5 Fluorescent Lamp > 30" (18 W)

This really is only going to be 36W of actinic, you guys think this is even worth it?

 

so it looks like my only real option is 2 of these:

Actinic 03 T5 Fluorescent Lamp > 30" (18 W)

This really is only going to be 36W of actinic, you guys think this is even worth it?

 

the cheapest T5HO fixture by current USA with two bulbs are around $100, but you get more than twice the power.... And it is much easier to get compatible bulbs for T5HO...

 

I definately dont have $100 dollars thats why i was propopsing these ideas.