2 Bulb T5 HO To An Aquactinics T5. Questions.

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Weir_Head, Jul 25, 2012.

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  1. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    Hey everyone. I'm in the process of changing from a 60G to a 90G, and I'm going to be using a different light.

    Right now, I have have a cheap little AquaticLife T5 HO 2-bulb going on. I think it's like $135 or so.

    Marine 48" 108 Watt
    (1) 48" 54W Actinic
    (1) 48" 54W 10,000°K

    I'm probably going to be using a aquactinics tx5, 5 bulb setup
    3 ATI aquablue special 12k
    2 blue plus actinic

    I've had the tank for 2 years, but I really know nothing about lighting.
    - First, I assume that this new light will be nicer, right? An upgrade...
    - And secondly, am I going to have to gradually leave the lights on longer and longer to acclimate the coral I have in there now?
    It's mostly easy stuff, softies, leathers, etc. Stuff that the previous light could support.

    I'm buying it used and getting a really good deal.
    Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
     
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  3. Toallhisdoom

    Toallhisdoom Dragon Wrasse

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    why not get a few different bulbs? aquablue specail, coral plus, the purple bulb. Would get better colors and growth if you had a little variation in there!
     
  4. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Yes I would definitely light acclimate. It is always a good idea to be cautious when changing the lighting on the tank.;)
     
  5. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    So just gradually leave them on longer I guess?
    Like 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours, 5 hours, 5.5 hours, 5.5 hours, etc?
    Or slower?
     
  6. PghSteeler

    PghSteeler Tassled File Fish

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    I cant speak from experience with lighting but it is not like you are upgrading from the T5 to high power LED or MH, you can probably increase the photoperiod faster let your corals tell you what to do. If they start retracting or pulling away from the light in any way you know its too much too fast, otherwise you can probably start at half of whatever your current photoperiod is and increase an hour a day.
     
  7. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    Yeah, I don't know anything about lighting really, just that I have one ;D

    But this would be an upgrade right?
    I'm seeing the price for the light I might be getting listed almost 3.5x more expensive than the $135 setup I have now.
     
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  9. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    That is a very good upgrade. You will definitely need to light acclimate your corals. Start out with 4 hours and add 1 hour per week until you get to the light period you desire.
     
  10. Weir_Head

    Weir_Head Skunk Shrimp

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    Thanks a lot.
    Sounds like a plan.

    Hopefully some of my meandering corals eventually love the light and take off.