Changing lights.

[mansiz]

Hi all, I'm switching from T8 to T5 soon, i would like to know that whether do I need to slowly acclimate the lights? Currently using 2 x 15 watt T8s, going to change to 2 x 24 watt T5s, its a 2 feet tank, height is the low type. Will the corals bleach if there is a sudden change of light intensity? And should I buy white white or blue white T5s HO? If white white, will the water looks yellow? :D

[BarraCuda™]

I think the corals will be alright if you slowly increase the lighting period. Depending of the colour temperature and yr own personal liking, you can choose the ratio of blue to white bulbs but its not recommended to have both blue tubes as they might not have enough PAR

[deep_end]

mansiz,

Ideally, you should maintain the duration, but start at a lower intensity by placing the fitting higher up. Then, week by week, increase the intensity by lowering the fitting until it's in the final position. Unfortunately, this is not always an option, so we usually play with the duration instead. In your case, even though the increase from 18W FL to 24W T5 is quite substantial, it's not as bad as upgrading to MH, so you'll most likely be able to get away with it.

As for colours, I believe there are some bulbs that are 50/50 or 60/40 in terms of blue/white mix. You could use 2 of these, and be done with it and you should have enough PAR as well as blueness for the corals.

[mansiz]

Oh there are mix colour for T5 tubes. Hmm, maybe got to find out from the seller. If they don't have mix type, maybe I'll get a white and a blue. :D

BTW bros who went to E-Aquarist Place b4, did they use T5s lights in their tank? (in those tank that put livestocks for selling). I saw quite a few lights tubes, and its thin, but I'm not sure if its T5s.

[KaLiB]

I think their using PLs and T8s.

[mansiz]

Oh they using Pls, hmm, no wonder the corals looks so nice and pleasant.

BTW, how long should I use a T5 24 watt tube before changing it? 6 months?

[nim75sg]

According to Deltec, manufacturer of T5 lighting, the life of a T5 tube is about 15,000 hours ie a life of 625 days!

[mansiz]

Wow 625 days? Is'nt it almost 2 years? But mine is arcadia, don't know if lifespan is the same or not.

[KaLiB]

Same for Interpet FLs, i've calculated the lifespan and it amounts to 1-2years as well of nonstop lighting.

Mansiz: i think yours will be different, different manufacturer got different quality i guess.

[nim75sg]

Mansiz: You can send an email to Arcadia to check on the tube's life span if it is close to 15,000 hours

[mansiz]

Mansiz: You can send an email to Arcadia to check on the tube's life span if it is close to 15,000 hours

Wow nice idea there. :D But what is their email address huh? :eek:

[slcw]

Wow nice idea there. :D But what is their email address huh? :eek:

second that...i am thinking to get their MH. cost RM4+++ expensive though.
my friend has the industrial type which looks like the garden spot lights...they r not nice looking and it is noisy. though cheap.

[nim75sg]

Here is Arcadia homepage: http://www.arcadia-uk.com/index.html

[deep_end]

Steven,

Industrial units may be ugly, but they're infinitely more cost efficient. For 4K+, I can set you up with 3 400W 20KK (or 10KK) sets with 400W electronic ballasts, producing no sound, and very low power consumption. Imagine the lighting capabilities of this config compared to a twin 150W aq. fitting using inferior MH bulbs.

second that...i am thinking to get their MH. cost RM4+++ expensive though.
my friend has the industrial type which looks like the garden spot lights...they r not nice looking and it is noisy. though cheap.