Need advice on lights

The bulbs where pretty old on my 12g nano cube dx so I decided to put some new ones that I had laying around. The old bulbs where 2 24 watt 10,000K 50/50 bulbs . The new bulbs I put in where 1 10,000K Actinic and 1 7100K white. What I am concerned about is my zoas arent really opening up too much and they don't look as good as before. Is it because of the new lighting? What should I do switch the new ones out for the same type as I had before?

 

you need some true actinic 03 or 420 or 460 nm bulbs.

 

What does that mean? Im not that great when it comes to the whole lighting situation.

 

Well, your corals want better actinics. Bogie gave a great recommendation. I am not sure what those PCs come in ITO 10000K, 12000, etc., but I would definitely make one of your bulbs an actinic and the other a daylight. I like a bluer look, so if available in 12000 or 14000K, that's what I would do.

Also, look into UVL or Giesemann. Top end bulbs. I have never seen the bulbs that go with this set up, so I don't know if it something you can only get through the company. Hope not. That limits you.

 

The bulbs are powercompacts forgot to mention that

 

You are very limited with bulb choice in PC. Not many manufactors and specrums are limited. Certain companies are adding more lines but most know that PC technology is fading out and are not putting much $$ into developing them.

Most PC bulbs tend to look yellow w/o actinic(the blue light) and with the actinic are a crisp white.
The zoos are most likely still closed because the were more used to the slightly weaker light and need to acclimate back to the more intense light. They will be fine in a few days.
Try to experiment with bulb combos but like I said there isn't really much to choose from.

Don't worry the zoos will be fine! :-D

Happy reefing!