T5 BULB SELECTION + ARC T5HO Bulbs - Good or Bad choice of bulb question?

[mike31154]

I've been using the ARC 10,000K lamps for several years on Workhorse 8 ballasts with no issues. Recently added a small 12 volt fan blowing on the end of each lamp and they're working really well. No sign of black marks on the ends and I've been overdriving them.

I've also used the 'Actinic' ARC lamps in the past, but noted after looking closely at the product description, they are not 'true' Actinic lamps. Was not aware ARC lamps were available in anything but 10,000K and 'Actinic'.

Currently running two ARC 10,000K for morning and evening lighting, with 2 x 250 watt 14,000K Plusrite (another cheapo brand) MH lamps taking over for the mid day photo period. My BTA, a few LPS and softies are all doing fine with this lighting arrangement. I'm not a fan of the bluer lighting prevalent in many SW setups these days.