New T5 bulbs

[chark]

I am doing my first install of new t5 bulbs and not sure of how to best proceed. I know I have to be careful so not to burn the coral. I have 10 bulbs and was wondering if I should put them all them in or to put them in slowly. All suggestions would be appreciated.

[BigKGlen]

What's the total wattage? Are they all the same Kelvin or different?

[uriah]

Try doing 1-2 a week, best to start from front to back so that when you change them again you already know the rotation... Definitly dont do all at once if you dont want to bleach the corals...

[chark]

2 actinic, 2 at 6,500, 4 at 12,000, 2 at 20,000. 54 w each on a 30 inch wide aquarium.

[chark]

I am using the same fixture just new bulbs after 12 months of usage. The light fixture is hanging from the ceiling and can be raised and lowered. Normally at 8" above the water.

[Mr_Cool]

I ran t-5's on my tank for about a year and a half and am not, by any means, an expert. I just have a few questions....

First, why are you running 54 Watt bulbs (47.5 inches long) on a tank that is only 30 inches wide? That's more than 8 inches extra on each side. I would think that 24 watt or 39 watt bulbs would both be sufficient. The 39 watt bulbs would give about 4.5 inches extra on each side, while the 24 watters would be 3 inches short on each side. Even being a bit short, I don't think the 24 watt bulbs would lose too much on the sides of the tank.

Second, why are the bulbs 8 inches above the tank? It's my understanding that they should be more like 4 inches off the water.

Of course, I'm just re-reading you last post, and now realize that you have a 4 foot fixture. I guess changing bulb size is not an option like it would be if it was a retro-fit. I would at least lower the fixture those 4 inches. I think changing out 1-2 each week is a good idea. Then, once the new bulbs are all in, I would start lowering the fixture a little bit each day until it reaches the 4 inch mark.

[Jamie]

My guess is that his tank is 30" wide and more that 48" long since it is a 185 gallon tank as per his signature. I do agree that the lights could be lowered a bit. Also, if the corals start bleaching on account of the new bulbs, just raise the fixture up a bit and slowly lower it down each week.

The ATI power module is awesome. What brand bulbs did you buy? I am about to relace my T5's as well.

[Kristy]

Hey Cecil-

I know everyone has given you really safe and conservative suggestions about changing out 1 to 2 bulbs a week, and obviously you could not go wrong doing it that way. I will tell you what we did, though, with no ill effects. Our t5s account for about 50% of our lighting, with two 48" 250w MHs also on the tank, one on each side of the 6-bulb t5 fixture.

We recently changed out our bulbs, after a LOT of use on them. Just changed 5 of the 6 bulbs all at the same time as we had one more bulb ordered to get the colors we wanted. I'd say that amounts to changing out 40% of our total lighting at a time. Kept an eye on the corals, they were fine with it, and the algae growth on the glass was reduced immediately!

So, you'd probably be fine switching out as many as half of your bulbs, as long as you keep a close eye on it. Safer would be 3 or 4 a week. Good luck!

[Mr_Cool]

My guess is that his tank is 30" wide and more that 48" long since it is a 185 gallon tank as per his signature. I do agree that the lights could be lowered a bit. Also, if the corals start bleaching on account of the new bulbs, just raise the fixture up a bit and slowly lower it down each week.

The ATI power module is awesome. What brand bulbs did you buy? I am about to relace my T5's as well.


I know the difference between "length" and "width!" I guess I just wasn't thinking. That makes sense, Jamie.

[uriah]

You could get away with that, also depends on what livestock you are housing, but safe is always better than sorry. As with anything in this hobby, patience is a virtue...



So, you'd probably be fine switching out as many as half of your bulbs, as long as you keep a close eye on it.

[fishypets]

Cecil,

Here's what you do:

Replace all ten bulbs at the same time.

Raise the power module up 5-8 inches higher than what it is now.

Shorten you photoperiod by 30% for the first week.

After week one lower the P.M. 3-4 inches and increase the p.p. by 15%

After week two lower the P.M. to its original position and photo period.

Next step sit back and enjoy your new lights!

[chark]

Thanks everyone. I put all the bulbs in and raised it to about 15" above the water. I will also shorten the photo period.

The color is a little yellow. I am going to buy 2 more blueplus and replacing one of the midday and one of the aquablue special. Will see then how it looks.

What is the recommend height over the water for t5's?

[fishypets]

Cecil,

I keep my P.M. about 8-10 inches above the water, my tank is also 28" tall. I can bleach sps out in the sand bed if I'm not careful. I found it useless to keep it lower, as salt creep start on the P.M. plus it heats the tank up more than needed.

I would bet most people stating T5's should be only inches above the water don't have a ATI Power Module. These are very strong lights!