T5 Lighting

[skinbad]

Im in the process of upgrading my tank to moderate lighting / co2, have bought a ballast for my tubes, reflectors, cups and clips, but hitting a blank on which tubes? iquaticsonline are running a buy 2 get 1 free on theirs, they offer:

BLUE MARINE ACTINIC
BLUE PLUS
AQUA BLUE 50:50
Tropical
White Marine

would a combo of those be suitable for a tropical / discus tank? I want a clear bright shine, blue hue acceptable! im thinking a combo of white marine / blue 50/50?

http/www.iquaticsonline.co.uk/t5-fluorescents/54w-t5-1150mm-46.html

 

[reignofcheese]

blue actinic bulbs will not help your live plants.

 

[richpowell1989]

blue actinic bulbs will only grow algae nothing else

 

[ian]

got to disagree there guys, actinic bulbs with grow plants as will any other light available. Plants will use UV to infra red if needed. You only need to google 'actinic and plant growth' to see the results. Although IMO/IME the blue does nothing for aesthetics in a planted tank.