Do I need new bulbs

[vcnt]

I’m not sure that would be the case in this instance with the bulbs being over a decade old, and presumably they were in use for years?

But for coral keeping purposes you are correct. The loss of the desired spectral output is what indicates when it is time to replace the bulbs. Changing T5 and MH bulbs is done to keep the proper light available for photosynthesis. The bulbs will continue to produce light but the spectrum is deteriorating.

Maybe they have been in use maybe the havent im not sure but the guy also gave me a bucket of salt... from 2014 so i presume he had the reef stuff sitting in his basement for a few years

 

[PharmrJohn]

I’m not sure that would be the case in this instance with the bulbs being over a decade old, and presumably they were in use for years?

But for coral keeping purposes you are correct. The loss of the desired spectral output is what indicates when it is time to replace the bulbs. Changing T5 and MH bulbs is done to keep the proper light available for photosynthesis. The bulbs will continue to produce light but the spectrum is deteriorating.

Oh, used for years. Yeah.

 

[KrisReef]

Wow. Corrections are in order here.

1) There is no hard rule of when bulbs should be replaced. It can be anywhere from 6-18 months depending on bulb, ballast used, properly cooled, etc. BRS did a full blown test to prove the good bulbs last 14-18 months when properly setup. They have PAR and spectrum data in those videos.

2) If this is for a fish only, run them til they die. Nothing in the tank is relying on PAR or spectrum to survive.

3) ATI, Giesemann, and KZ are great bulbs. The same manufacturer makes both ATI and KZ bulbs. It’s either Philips or Sylvania. I don’t recall. There are only a couple manufacturers still building T5s and they are all massive corporations that make them for hobby companies.

Also correct, I let my bulbs run until the PAR drops but I have a meter to check for PAR output. Lots of people don’t have one to check their lights
So,

The “rule” became change them every year to avoid having the PAR output go bad. But they can last longer and still be great for growing coral.

If you have a fish tank and the bulbs still fire up then they are good.

 

[KrisReef]

Maybe they have been in use maybe the havent im not sure but the guy also gave me a bucket of salt... from 2014 so i presume he had the reef stuff sitting in his basement for a few years

Up until last week I didn’t think that salt could co bad but RHF made a comment that if the salt is exposed to moisture then the calcium and alkalinity can form calcium carbonate that can not dissolve, and that for that reason the salt mix may not be useful for a reef or mix up as desired.

Again, I don’t think the old salt would bother a fish tank but it would not make good seawater for a reef.

 

[vcnt]

Up until last week I didn’t think that salt could co bad but RHF made a comment that if the salt is exposed to moisture then the calcium and alkalinity can form calcium carbonate that can not dissolve, and that for that reason the salt mix may not be useful for a reef or mix up as desired.

Again, I don’t think the old salt would bother a fish tank but it would not make good seawater for a reef.

Agreed, I did go out and by some new salt. I used about 3/4 of the bag, its Fritz salt

 

[vcnt]

Also correct, I let my bulbs run until the PAR drops but I have a meter to check for PAR output. Lots of people don’t have one to check their lights
So,

The “rule” became change them every year to avoid having the PAR output go bad. But they can last longer and still be great for growing coral.

If you have a fish tank and the bulbs still fire up then they are good.

Does the color I pick matter?

 

[KrisReef]

Does the color I pick matter?

Yes, because the color of the tank and the impact on your eyes are important for your visual pleasure as well as the happiness of your fish and coral.

I can’t tell you what you will like, I can say that the bulbs you are posting are great for growing coral.

Other T5 users may have other suggestions and personal preferences. If you get the opportunity to see other people’s lights in person that may help you decide which ones you like best?

 

[vcnt]

Yes, because the color of the tank and the impact on your eyes are important for your visual pleasure as well as the happiness of your fish and coral.

I can’t tell you what you will like, I can say that the bulbs you are posting are great for growing coral.

Other T5 users may have other suggestions and personal preferences. If you get the opportunity to see other people’s lights in person that may help you decide which ones you like best?

Ive just watched a video of this dude comparing t5 ati combos and in my opinion actinic and coral plus looked the best.

 

[KrisReef]

Agreed, I did go out and by some new salt. I used about 3/4 of the bag, its Fritz salt

I would take the old salt to the lfs and give it to them to use or pass on to a fish keeper.

You should update your tank thread with a picture of your tank, with the old bulbs and the new when you get them.

 

[vcnt]

I would take the old salt to the lfs and give it to them to use or pass on to a fish keeper.

You should update your tank thread with a picture of your tank, with the old bulbs and the new when you get them.

I was thinking of doing that in the morning, i could tag you when i do if you want.

 

[KrisReef]

I was thinking of doing that in the morning, i could tag you when i do if you want.

Good enough! I will have something to look forward to besides answering the phone, I m on call and it’s been busy with nonsense and no real work to do.

 

[nereefpat]

T5's should be changed every year. The color spectrum shifts.

Even if unused, if the tubes are that old they're no good.

It's a fish only tank.