How to avoid burning corals when changing halide / T5 bulbs

[sdreef]

I am currently running a Giesemann spectra with three 250 W Radium Halide bulbs and four T5 bulbs. The system is approaching a year old and it's time to change the bulbs. Should I avoid changing all the bulbs at once? Do I need to adjust the height of the fixture for any period of time?

I was thinking about changing the T5s over Thanksgiving and the Halides around Christmas to avoid changing all the bulbs at once. I was also considering if I should raise the fixture for a period of time to avoid burning the corals. Interested to know what people recommend?

 

[blaxsun]

Staggering the bulbs probably isn't a bad idea.

 

[sdreef]

Staggering the bulbs probably isn't a bad idea.

Thanks. My goal is to avoid any bleaching. I'm running the halides for 5.5 hours / day and the T5s for 10 hours / day. It would be easier to change everything at once, but I'm concerned it might be too much.

 

[MichaelP]

If it’s easy for you to raise the light I would change all the bulbs at once raise the light 2-4 inches then lower it down in again 2-3 weeks

 

[dwest]

I think your options are:
1. stagger bulb replacement
2. increase height of fixture
3. lower photoperiod

I do the first one now (no mh any more) but in the past I’ve done a combination of 2 and 3. For me, it depends on how easy each option is. Also, I don’t worry too much about the T5’s but mh need a little more though IME.

 

[fishface NJ]

No height adj needed. I stagger the bulb changes. Replace one and wait 2 weeks and continue the same with each bulb replacement. BTW bulbs don't go bad in 12 months. BRS did a test on the par. It starts to decline around 18 months

 

[sdreef]

If it’s easy for you to raise the light I would change all the bulbs at once raise the light 2-4 inches then lower it down in again 2-3 weeks

The fixture has cable grips, and it's easy to raise. I'll need to raise it a bit to change the bulbs. I could just leave there for a couple weeks before lowering back.

I think your options are:
1. stagger bulb replacement
2. increase height of fixture
3. lower photoperiod

I do the first one now (no mh any more) but in the past I’ve done a combination of 2 and 3. For me, it depends on how easy each option is. Also, I don’t worry too much about the T5’s but mh need a little more though IME.

Thanks, this is my first bulb change and last time there was not tank underneath. I don't think it will be difficult, but it may take a little time. I'll need to do 2 to change the bulbs and 3 is easy to do. That will be my easiest option.

I don't have prior experience with halides on prior tanks, so I appreciate the experience.

No height adj needed. I stagger the bulb changes. Replace one and wait 2 weeks and continue the same with each bulb replacement. BTW bulbs don't go bad in 12 months. BRS did a test on the par. It starts to decline around 18 months

Thanks, I'll check out the BRS video. Part of my thinking with the halides was if I change them before they go bad, I'll be less likely to cause any bleaching. I don't want to shave off too much time either as the bulbs aren't cheap.

 

[jda]

I just do it and have never had any issues. I never did T5s at the same time as the Halides.

 

[sdreef]

I just do it and have never had any issues. I never did T5s at the same time as the Halides.

Thanks, how often do you change your halides? Any problems with bleaching.

 

[jda]

Every year if I use them all of the time - I run them for 9-10 hours a day. I have gone up to 2 years before on the 14k Phoenix, but not usually. No issues with anything.

If you are running your so low of hours, then change them less.

I always turned the T5s/VHOs off when the halides came on. Just not necessary to waste the bulb time nor the electricity when the halides need no supplement.