T5 lighting

[Bovy]

Which t5 HO is the best ? I just replaced my aqua life actinic for a Cora life ( every 6 months I change two bulbs ). It's more purple than blue. Does it matter ? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Gti_Leo]

i would chaneg the lamps every 9 months and 1 month apart for each lamp as not to completly shock the system.

as for lamps i would use ATI, KZ or gueismann lamps, ATI being the cheapest and the same PAR as the KZ which will mostliekly be the top two brands

 

[Scotty09]

I'm changing from 4 t5 to 2 mh 250w and 2 t5 what's the best way not to shock my corals plz help

 

[Gti_Leo]

put the MH on and then slowly work in the T5s

 

[Scotty09]

Should I have it high up and lower it and if so what sort of time scale till they used to it . Can it kill my corals????

 

[Gti_Leo]

if they aren't properly acclimated then yes they can be killed. although if its alot of low light mushrooms that you have i think they should be alright. you can also place them lower in the tank so they get less light and slowly move them to where they seem to do best

 

[Scotty09]

Ok I got alot of mushrooms low down my high up corals are torch , duncans , and my prized coral a candy cane should I lower them there are about 6" from the top

 

[Scotty09]

Also how low can the mh be from the water ?

 

[Gti_Leo]

i'd keep them about 6 inches up maybe more. they can heat up the water if they are too low

 

[Scotty09]

Was hoping to put it right on top of my aquarium . This asking for trouble I take it

 

[Gti_Leo]

yeah, unless you want to put a heater in at night and take it out when the lights are on

 

[Scotty09]

Might try it and keep an eye on temp for first few days see what happens thxs for ur help

 

[Gti_Leo]

no problem