Which t5?

[Ahbaloch]

So i have researched everywhere and i cant seem to find an answer.

I know there are alot of threads on T5

Where you guys are talking about blue +, coral + or purple +

BUT

Light has 4 t5 and 2 lunar leds
There are 2 plugs meaning 1 plugs controls 2 t5/ and other plug control other 2 t5,
And there is a third plug for lunar light


I have coral lifes 30Inch fixture and i can only fit the 27.5in T5 ,

So my only option of T5 are by coral life

So there are 4 kinda

10k
Actinic
6700k
Colormax

Can someone please tell me what to get?

I bought this fixture from a fellow reefer

And he had 2 10k and 2 actinic,

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Get the two 10k and actinic.

It’s a good color for corals in coralife.

 

[Ahbaloch]

Since the previous owner have 2 of each and they are about 2 years old,

Should i replace them? Will it make a diff?

Get the two 10k and actinic.

It’s a good color for corals in coralife.

 

[DSC reef]

I'd replace the bulbs after 2 years. Who knows how long they were in use but I'd still replace them with new.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Since the previous owner have 2 of each and they are about 2 years old,

Should i replace them? Will it make a diff?

Yup agreed. Def replace them.
It’s a good starter Light and will def grow coral. You can have good sucesss with them. If it’s mounted in the tank itll do many med and all lower light coral.
If you have sucess with them , I’d bet you look at a new fixture before the tubes need to be changed again.
cuz , Reefers. Lol.

 

[Ahbaloch]

Thank you soo much guys, how long should my lights? I have 10k, actinic and blue lunar leds,


And this light fixture have 3 seperate plugs, whats the best way to handle that? Do i have to 3 different timers,?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yup. 3 timers if you want them at different times. There are combo powerstrip style timers and the standard ones.

You’ll want the t5 for about eight to ten hours a day.

With 3 lights. Start the led when you wake up.


Then run the next set. (Many choose the blue tubes only)
Then a few hours later turn on the next set.
Then reverse twards night time.

The leds give you a bit longer viewing time.

If you come across an inexpensive more powerful led strip like an older current orbit marine, (no lens style ), or a Marine land, you can use the t5 less and save the burn time on the tubes and heat in the tank.

Do look at the temp of the tank for the first few days to see how much heat it adds. I use a cheap instant read like for cooking steak , and temp it in the morning , noon and night.

Hardy corals won’t mind minor fluctuations in temp. Fish won’t care except Higher temps (83+) reduce oxygen in the water.

 

[LetItReef]

These might help: