Running T5's for the first time

[mwilk19]

I just installed an ATI dimmable Sunpower fixture over my 120 gallon mixed reef. I have it ramped up and down to mimic sun rise and sunset. How many hours of the day do you usually run it at 100%? Like I did with my leds, I'm running it at 100% between 12pm and 3pm. Should these lights be run at full intensity for a longer period?

Regards,
Mike W.

 

[Antics]

Most people that use T5's that aren't dimmable run them all day or in clusters. I don't think you're going to get a solid answer on this, but I run a 6 bulb fixture for 10 hours and a 10 bulb fixture for 10 hours both obviously at max. With that being said, both those aquariums started with T5's. If you're transitioning from LED to T5 I would wait for someone with experience on that to give a better answer.

Hope it helps.

 

[mwilk19]

Most people that use T5's that aren't dimmable run them all day or in clusters. I don't think you're going to get a solid answer on this, but I run a 6 bulb fixture for 10 hours and a 10 bulb fixture for 10 hours both obviously at max. With that being said, both those aquariums started with T5's. If you're transitioning from LED to T5 I would wait for someone with experience on that to give a better answer.

Hope it helps.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[11cmortarman]

Following....Im about to make the switch as well

 

[bklynreef123]

I run an ATI 6x39w dimmable. While the function is cool realize that this fixture is powerful. I would proceed with caution and slowly acclimate your corals. Keep in mind that burn in period for the bulbs. Most people run the T5's at %100 for the majority of the photo period. Keep an eye on your coral and adjust accordingly. Adjusting the height of the fixture is also helpful while getting things dialed in and adjusting for nutrients.

 

[11cmortarman]

Just installed 6 bulb dimmable over my reef. Coming from leds. Loving the coverage of the lights so far. Im considering some e85 blue pop bulbs. Do any of you have experience with them?

 

[11cmortarman]

SORRY meant e5 blue pop bulbs.

 

[Bpb]

Id do short dimming periods if anything. Maybe ramp up your actinic lights for 30 minutes and then ramp your daytime lights up and down for 30 minutes. I run my non dimmable sunpower 12 hours total with 8 hours full intensity in the middle

 

[Usctom]

On my 6 bulb. I ramp up to 100% in 30 minutes. I run 2 bulbs for 9 hours and 4bulbs for 4. Also have blue led strip for 10 hours

 

[mwilk19]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll keep messing with them to see what works best for my corals.

 

[Thomasj616]

I have a125. I run 4 t5 bulbs that came with the fixture. It uses 48" bulbs. What would you recommend. I have mushrooms, chalices, hammers and bubbles.
All coral looks decent but I hope changing out the bulbs will give them a boost. The bulbs are a bout a year old so I am assuming I'm due for a change

 

[Bpb]

You've got a pretty white look. Would you like to keep that or go more blue? Objective question as one isn't better than another. Just will help with recommendations.

 

[BigJohnny]

I run a 6x39w standard ati sunpower (not dimmable) and I run 2 blue + bulbs for 10 hours, all 6 for 6 hours.

i run 4 blue +, 1 actinic, and 1 coral plus. I did a bunch of research and in general, the average was 10-12 overall/6-8 peak

 

[fragapple]

I have a 6x80w sunpower non dim using 4 blue plus and 2 coral plus! 2 blues run for 12hrs and 4 for 6hrs! Never acclimated a single coral and never had drama with burn tips!

 

[mwilk19]

I have a 6x80w sunpower non dim using 4 blue plus and 2 coral plus! 2 blues run for 12hrs and 4 for 6hrs! Never acclimated a single coral and never had drama with burn tips!

Wow, beautiful tank. How far above the water do you have your fixture?

 

[fragapple]

The fixture is 8 inches above the tank! Cheers for the kind words!