Are Actinic Blue Lights A Necessity?

[GATECRASHER]

if i have a few PL lights and double powerglow tubes (16000K), do i still need to have actinic blue tubes? My tank is very bright, in fact downright glaring. Can i do without actinic blue tube if i have the present lights setup and intend to rear corals?

[metals99]

i use antinics cause with antinics can see nice colouration of corals..

[Clownfish]

It may not be a necessity, but having some actinic makes ur corals 'glow', gives them better colours and can simulate dimmer light conditions ( like semi-night time ) b4 switching all lights off....

[FuEl]

Actinics not really needed for corals....it is true that blue spectrum aids in photosynthesis of certain corals...however...your 16000K lights should provide sufficient blue spectrum for them already. Adding more actinics would'nt really help much...except making your aquarium look more 'cool'. For aesthetic purposes mainly.....