So I finally get my habd on the T5/LED combo for my 40B mix reef. The fixtures made by my buddy, LED is from Maxspect 165W 16k with BRS T5 Retrofit Reflector (2) with Blue bulb and Purple+ bulb
My question are:
1.How long the bulbs will last with 5 hours running T5?
2.Do I have to raise the T5 when new bulbs are installed?
3.Will T5 bleach coral?
4.How do you guys run your T5?
1. Most say 6-8 months before you start to get a spectrum (color) shift. I tend to go a little longer.
2. Raise as in the height off the water? No. Just keep it the same height throughout the duration of tank life unless you are experiencing heat buildup due to a canopy, or bleaching.
3. Any light can bleach coral, but so can a lot of other non light related issues. Bleaching is not JUST because of lighting. Coral placement is key. If you bought something from a high light tank, and are afraid you don't have the same par levels, place higher in the tank. If you have more light than the corals origin tank place lower. Don't just stick the coral permanently and guess. Attach it to rubble rock and place in a manner you can move if needed. If you experience bleaching. Check your water before you go crazy with moving lights and such.
4. I had a t5 only 33g tank for a year and some change. Had amazing growth and color with ati bulbs. 2blue+, 1 purple, 1 actinic. I moved all those corals to my current 120 and switched to led, radions to be exact.
I like LEDs, I think. Haven't had amazing results like my old tank, but there's too many variables to blame issues like growth and color specifically to lighting. Regardless, I'm about to add t5 to the mix.
Use ati bulbs.
The "other big fish forum" has a huge thread for t5 bulb combinations and the colors they produce. Look it up.
Good luck
