Actinic light from MH or T5?

[zephyros]

Frens out there,

I need some recommendation and advice on the following.

I've decided to use MH to provide the "white" light for my tank.

Next, I need to decide on what type of lighting to provide for

the Actinic blue lght to the tank.

1) Is there any advantage of using MH over T5 to provide the actinic,

or vice-visa?

2) Correct me if I'm wrong, if the "white" MH is already providing

enuff "engery", would the actinic light be just for "display" purpose?

Hence, do not need MH to provide the actinic "energy".

Reason I'm asking is that I am deciding over whether to purchase a MH fixture that,

a) has T5 tube integrated into it, or

has additional slot for the blue MH

Any suggestions?

Zephyros

[Tanzy]

MH lamps will never give you actinic light. Actinic light must be produced by special actinic phosphors in fluorescent tubes. The light produced is of a narrow range around 420nm wavelength. If you want actinic light, use T5 or FL.

If you don't mind, MH will give you general blue light but beware of distinct banding that can happen because MH is a point source unlike FL which are a diffused source giving a more uniform distribution across the tank.

[FuEl]

Use T5s..you'll be amazed by the intensity such a small tube gives off..

[zephyros]

Thanks bros for the advice

I'll go with the MH fixture with the integrated

T5 tubes.

Zephyros