Lighting question

[jeffp]

I am looking to try and grow some red plants like rotala macandra or

Limnophila aromatica in a 55g. With 54watt t5ho lights, how many bulbs would i need to have enough light to keep their color? and do actinics count towards par/wpg in planted fw tanks? i hear they help colors pop so was considering one.

 

[JustinKScott]

actinic bulbs do not help fw plants much. They are out of spectrum. Aim for 6500K.

I'd aim for 3 bulbs. I have 4 in my 80g, and high light plants grow well.