Getting replacements. Are actinics needed?

Hey guys, haven't posted in a while. So its been about a year since I got my 36" Odyssea light fixture. Its 96w x 96w; actinic and 12k. Not sure why but im wondering if I really need the actinics. Are they really providing the additional 96w to the already 96w im getting from the 12k? Did a search on this and a lot of people around the net say they're mainly for aesthetic purposes. So now im wondering if im actually getting 192w to my tank when they or both on or just 96w from the 12k. On to my replacement bulbs. I totally dont mind getting 2 daylight bulbs to make sure my corals are getting the most light possible from my canopy but would love to have just a slight blue tint if possible. Would I be able to get away with 12k and a 12k 50/50? More? Less?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions as well as advice.

 

What size tank?
What are you keeping in the tank?

or is it the same one in your sig?

With what you have listed, you might be able to squeak on by with only one bulb. I wouldn't though.

 

Tank is a 30g. Have about 10 corals. GSP, trumpet, xenia, mushrooms and zoas. 2 of my zoas are doing pretty good as well as my gsp. The zoas which started as frags havent grown much, neither have the mushrooms, xenia nor trumpet. Nitrates are 0 and all other readings are perfect. 3 ph's so flow is more than enough. Yes, my gsp and zoas grow but not to the point where its out of control like most people state; this is what I want. Im thinking its my bulbs as they are the same ones I got with the fixture. Just need to know which replacements to get. Had no intention on going with one bulb.

 

Yes you can go with a 12k and a 50/50 no problem. The acnictics mainly give the coral that glowing look so you could even go both 10k if you dont care about the glow. Coral in the ocean acually grows under about 6700k daylight which is very yellow and ugly to most people. You could go that route and get even more growth but you will also see an increase in algae so be sure to upgrade your cuc as well.

Most people will tell you odyssea bulbs are terrible. Your new ones should show an increase in growth no matter what you choose to go with.

 

I thought the same thing, i was proved wrong, atinics provide a lot more light then you think, i have seen a tank with ONLY atinics and it was awsome, growth and coral where great. So IMO yes your getting 96 watts from both lights.

 

Thanks. Personally, would you rather have 2 10ks or a 12 and a 50/50. Am I correct in assuming I can get the 50/50 in 10k or 12k. Cuc?

 

I would personally go with two 50/50 lights but its all really personal preference. I havent seen 50/50 with 12k.

CUC=clean up crew

 

As previously stated, ive seen a 50/50 on its own and it makes the tank way too blue.