PC and alge

[Angie]

I am new to planted aquariums and new to the planted tank. I recently decided to set up the ole 55 gal but had to buy some things. The guy I bought my stand from offered me some PC lights 2 65 watt bulbs which are each half blue and half white light. I thought I had scored until someone recently told me the blue will increase my alge growth. Is it better to run only white light? Any advice is welcome.

[Slaigar]

The half blue and half white lamps are probably 50/50 bulbs. The white being daylight and the blue being actinic. These are meant for marine & reef set ups.

However, I have never tried a 50/50 lamp in a planted aquarium. I can only assume that you might be better off with another lamp. The actinic part of the lamp is a limiting factor as it only contains blue.