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Lighting Question

I

imperial422

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I have been running a 29 gallon reef for about 4 to 5 months now and its almost about time to change the bulbs. My questions is im trying to get the best lighting combination for the fixtures.

Custom canopy I built
Here is my current setup


2 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt T-5 10K HO Lamp
2 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt 460nm Actinic T-5 HO
and
2- Coralife Compact Fluorescent 21 Straight Pin 65W 50/50

What bulbs do you guys think i should get should I stick with the same lighting or change up the bulbs

Example

4 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt T-5 10K HO
(Instead of )
2 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt T-5 10K HO Lamp
2 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt 460nm Actinic T-5 HO

and
2 - Coralife Compact Fluorescent 21 Straight Pin 65W Actinic (Instead of)
2 -50/50s
or
2 -10k

Mostly shrooms, zoos and LPS
but would like Ricordea, Brain coral and if possible a clam

2.jpg


6.jpg
 
A

AnDom1

Hi

Nice canopy!! It seems to me that the mix of T5's and PC's is appropriate for the types of corals you have and want to keep. Also, the total wattage is enough given your tank size and height.

On the face of it, I think there might be a touch too much blue for my taste. I'd be inclined to go with four 10K T5's in the center, flanked by a 50/50 PC on each side as you have it.

Dom
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

imperial422 said:
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I have been running a 29 gallon reef for about 4 to 5 months now and its almost about time to change the bulbs. My questions is im trying to get the best lighting combination for the fixtures.

Custom canopy I built
Here is my current setup


2 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt T-5 10K HO Lamp
2 - Current USA SlimPaq 24 Watt 460nm Actinic T-5 HO
and
2- Coralife Compact Fluorescent 21 Straight Pin 65W 50/50

What bulbs do you guys think i should get should I stick with the same lighting or change up the bulbs...
(snip)

Mostly shrooms, zoos and LPS
but would like Ricordea, Brain coral and if possible a clam
Click to expand...

First - I think the amount of blue you want in the tank is up to you - but the idea of using the T5s are your "daylight" and the pcs as the actinic is certainly one method that is favored by a lot of folks.

My comment/ question is really about the idea of switching the bulbs out after 4~5 months. Why do you think this is necessary? Are you noticing a change? In particular the T-5 technology was made so that the bulbs would last much longer than pcs or vhos. Even today though with the electronic ballasts/equipment powering the bulbs - they tend to last longer than the old ballasts. When we asked Icecap the question on T5s - 24 months was what was suggested - assuming the ventilation was appropriate, you are not overdriving the bulbs, not using the lights 24x7, etc.

Btw - I also agree that the amount of lights you have would be appropriate for the type of corals and possible clam you want in your 29 tank. keep in mind though that if you aim for a gigas or squamosa clam - they will definitely outgrow your tank. A maxima or crocea should be fine - but definitely agree with dom's suggestion of adding 4 t5s (kelvin up to you- just don't make them all actinic).
 
I

imperial422

Thanks or the advice

When it comes time to change the bulbs I will switch all t5s bulbs to 10k

The bulbs have been running I would say about 10 months total I thought its good to change them one a year. If I can keep them longer that would be great less money to spend. The pcs I do see starting to dim down a little thought.
 
R

rfalk

If you go to reefcentral they have a huge thread on the t5-Ho showing the Pars of all the bulbs, getting good bulbs is a huge factor in the light output, most people go with the griessen or GE 6500 K for day light bulbs. I would def check that out because they even have pictures to show you what the bulbs look like. With good t5-ho bulbs you should have no problem even with sps
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

I do not have T5s - so it may be helpful to get some folks who have had those bulbs chime in - but I do not think you need to change them once a year.

Ever consider swapping out the pcs for some vho actinics? It looks like you have room in the canopy...btw that is some really nice work on that canopy!

Just a final note on the swapping of bulbs - even though the bulbs may last beyond a year - it should be noted that if you swap all 4 at once - you may inadvertently hurt the corals since initially it may just be "too" intense - if you get what I mean. I believe some folks place a piece of eggcrate (or similar) to help the corals acclimate to the new bulbs...really depends on what you have in the tank and how often you change bulbs. Good luck!
 
R

rfalk

yeah I use t5 on 2 tanks and you def do not need to change the bulbs you have, but they are not great bulbs tho...1 year for actintic type bulbs and 2 years for day light bulbs is the standard most people follow
 
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