chark Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 I am doing my first install of new t5 bulbs and not sure of how to bestproceed. I know I have to be careful so not to burn the coral. I have10 bulbs and was wondering if I should put them all them in or to putthem in slowly. All suggestions would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted August 14, 2009 Share Posted August 14, 2009 well how much light ( in watts) have you had on it be for to start off, than add that that much to start off than slowly add lights over time, but keep asking other people that have more experience in lighting than me. but is should help to start I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offroadodge Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 i think that IMO if the light could be raised and lowered than I would start out probly 14-18 inches above the water level. Then move it down from there.(depending on what light you were previously running) I went from a 4 bulb PC to and 8 bulb T5 fixture along time ago and didnt change anything(height etc). Hope this will help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chark Posted August 15, 2009 Author Share Posted August 15, 2009 I am using the same fixture just new bulbs after 12 months of usage. There are 2 actinic, 2 at 6,500, 4 at 12,000, 2 at 20,000. 54 w each on a 30 inch wide aquarium. The light fixture is hanging from the ceiling and can be raised and lowered. Normally at 8" above the water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishypets Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 Cecil, Yes change all the bulbs out at once. Raise the ATI P.M. 8-10 inches higher than normal, and cut your photo-period by 30%. After week one drop the P.M. 4-5 inches and increase the photoperiod by 15%. Do the same on week two and you should be good to go. However I would let your corals tell you what's going on. If they start to bleach out raise the P.M. back up and cut back on the photoperiod. Enjoy you new lights! BTW what combo did you go with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chark Posted August 15, 2009 Author Share Posted August 15, 2009 Clint that sounds like a great plan. I was hoping to get an answer from you. Here is what I did. Front: ATI Aquablue special Geisman Midday UVL Super Actinic ATI Aquablue special ATI Blue Plus KZ Fiji Purple ATI Aquablue special UVL Super Actinic GE Midday ATI Aquablue special Back: The color is slightly too yellow. Would like 12k to 14k look. What do you think about: Front: ATI Aquablue special ATI Blue Plus UVL Super Actinic ATI Blue Plus Geisman Midday KZ Fiji Purple ATI Aquablue special UVL Super Actinic ATI Blue Plus ATI Aquablue special Back: All I need to do is buy 2 ATI Blue Plus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishypets Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 Cecil, Your new plan should give you the look you are going for. Next time I change out bulbs I'm going to leave out the 420nm range and replace with fiji pinks. Let us know how the new combo looks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neal90 Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 I would not change all the bulbs at ones. I would do one or 2 a week, and let the coral in the tank adjust to the new lights and the new spectrum the lights are putting out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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