Actinic bulbs

[Atlantic Fish]

I was thinking of putting an actinic bulb on my cichlid tank to give it a little more color esp when the daytime lights are off.  Would an actinic bulb bother cichlids or my plants???  I know people use them for saltwater, but are they ok for freshwater??  That may sound stupid but Ive never seen one on a freshwater tank..

 

[KingVinnie]

I believe they promote algae growth, the blue spectrum I think. I used to have a 60" URI Aquasun and Super Actinic VHO tubes on my 150g, but now I use two Aquasuns. From what I understand Actinic light has little benefit in most freshwater tanks, they are used mostly for reefs. Some people recommend it, saying it produces dense growth. Others say freshwater plants don't need it. I believe most plants need a lot of red waves in addition to the blue.

BTW… while I’m on the topic anyone in the south Florida area what my URI Super Actinic VHO Bulb, 60”, Only used it for a week paid $55 sell for $20.

 

[dattack]

Wow.  You paid $55 for a VHO bulb?  You got jipped.  Usually run around $30.