Thinking of going from leds to t5
- Thread starter kbourque
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ReeferDre
Active Member
You could definitely use some C-channels but your issue is more the hanging kit. If you used the C then I think you would want to mount it directly to the ceiling and avoid using the wires. You could retro a few t5 on either side of the lights if you hang it directly to the ceiling and have an easy DIY hybrid. Your setup is sweet just be patient.
Hmm c channel might work. I could mount the c Chanel to the tube running across that might give me another 6"+. Worth a try c channel doesn't cost much and would be an easy fix. Don't know why I didn't think about that before lol. That's why outside opinions are great some ppl see things you don't.
Yes if you mount them six inches or so higher the light will spread much better and far less likely to burn the corals. When it's that close to the surface to light is concentrated and that is what burns the corals. It's kind of like using a magnifying glass to start a fire, it concentrates all the light.
d2mini
5000 Club Member
Yeah, the problem here is your hanging solution, not your lights. 
You'll have the same issue with t5 and neither should be hung that close to the water.
You could always add a retro t5 kit to the LEDs, that way you get the best of both.
You'll have the same issue with t5 and neither should be hung that close to the water.
You could always add a retro t5 kit to the LEDs, that way you get the best of both.
Stephanie11
Fragaholic
Your lights are not an issue no matter what you or anyone says. I have and had reef breeders led lights sitting on top of glass on top of tanks at max. Something is doing something. Could be a combo. If you are that worried put the "bleached" corals on the edges of the tank until things work themselves out.
Fin
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Agree on the age of your tank. Too soon to expect much right now.
Seeing your pictures, you can get a lot more height by finding another way to mount those lights in your canopy. I have AI Hydra 52s mounted with S-hooks to a set of aluminum tubes. Room enough for the cooling fans on top of the lights and about 8" off the water.
My mounting rails:
Also, it is not recommended to put ATI fixtures inside of a canopy, if you are considering that option. Really expensive fixture to fry in a poorly ventilated canopy. Needs to be hung from the ceiling or from mounting arms. I did read a few days ago that ATI is looking into making bracket thatwould allow the fixtures to be mounted to the tank itself.
Good luck in resolving your issues.
Seeing your pictures, you can get a lot more height by finding another way to mount those lights in your canopy. I have AI Hydra 52s mounted with S-hooks to a set of aluminum tubes. Room enough for the cooling fans on top of the lights and about 8" off the water.
My mounting rails:
Also, it is not recommended to put ATI fixtures inside of a canopy, if you are considering that option. Really expensive fixture to fry in a poorly ventilated canopy. Needs to be hung from the ceiling or from mounting arms. I did read a few days ago that ATI is looking into making bracket thatwould allow the fixtures to be mounted to the tank itself.
Good luck in resolving your issues.
Agree on the age of your tank. Too soon to expect much right now.
Seeing your pictures, you can get a lot more height by finding another way to mount those lights in your canopy. I have AI Hydra 52s mounted with S-hooks to a set of aluminum tubes. Room enough for the cooling fans on top of the lights and about 8" off the water.
My mounting rails:
Also, it is not recommended to put ATI fixtures inside of a canopy, if you are considering that option. Really expensive fixture to fry in a poorly ventilated canopy. Needs to be hung from the ceiling or from mounting arms. I did read a few days ago that ATI is looking into making bracket thatwould allow the fixtures to be mounted to the tank itself.
Good luck in resolving your issues.
I don't have a canopy tank top is wide open, but that's a sweet looking setup what t5 bulbs do you use?
racin2438
Active Member
They are way to close to water, they should be about 10 to 15" inches above water. I have 2 T247 over my frag grow tank and 2 S026 over my frag sell tank and they work great. I had a TEK 6 bulb T5 unit with all ATI bulbs and did not have the color or extention that I have with the LED units.
I agree lol I think these lights are awesome I just wish I had the room to go higher I will get the c channel and try it out for a while see what happens. With the c channel should give me roughly 8" above water level. I wish I had a par meter to check the par on these things
