Time to replace bulbs - Would like opinions

[CraigJoh]

I have an old t5/mh fixture and it's time for new bulbs, but I'm unsure of which colors to get.

I currently have t5's: 4 Actinic and 4 Actinic combo (purple) and am completely unsure what my 3 MH's are (14k or 20k) other than they are 250w

I'm thinking of going to all 8 actinic, but I think I've done that before and wasn't happy, but would it be better if I went with 20K MH's? assuming I currently have 14K. I was thinking of replacing the T5's first, but as I type this I wonder if I should replace the MH's first so I know what 20K looks like? Maybe change one of the three MH's to see diff?

So, what configuration would you all suggest? (this is for mostly LPS, with a few softies, don't think I'll ever do sticks Also, this is a 6ft fixture over a 165; basically a 125 tall

 

[Bpb]

With that livestock I would do 20,000k metal halides for 3-4 hours a day max, and a 50/50 mix of ati blue+ and ati true actinic, staggered, with t5’s run for 10 hours

 

[fishface NJ]

maybe this thread will help with color choices https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/which-ati-bulb-combination-should-i-choose.205103/

I have a 50/50 of ati blue+ and ati Coral Plus

 

[jda]

What MH ballasts do you have? Bulb choice should start based on the ballast type. Are they SE or DE?

I would pick MH color that you like and turn the T5s off when the MH are running... save a money and bulb life that way. You could run those T5s until they burn out if you just run them for an hour or two after the MH go out. There is no need to run that many T5s and also MH over coral like that.

 

[CraigJoh]

What MH ballasts do you have? Bulb choice should start based on the ballast type. Are they SE or DE?

I would pick MH color that you like and turn the T5s off when the MH are running... save a money and bulb life that way. You could run those T5s until they burn out if you just run them for an hour or two after the MH go out. There is no need to run that many T5s and also MH over coral like that.

Interesting....Deff something to think about!! As to ballast type, I'll have to get back to you on that one...

 

[CraigJoh]

Ok, I could find nothing on the ballast as to SE or DE, but this is it, if this tells you anything

Current USA Inc. Model 1952 ballast 250 watt metal halide​

https://offerup.com/item/detail/530183618

 

[jda]

Are the bulbs double ended or single ended?

 

[CraigJoh]

Oh, so that's what DE and SE means, Duh!!! Yes, they are Double Ended bulbs,

 

[Big Smelly fish]

I would think double ended bulb being it current USA. I don’t recall them having SE fixtures. I could be wrong but am pretty sure

 

[jda]

Phoenix 14k the best-of-breed DE bulb, IMO. Looks great, high output and not expensive.

That bulb is enough output alone for your tank. The T5s can be folded in to just supplement as you wish.

 

[jda]

I know that you did not ask, but if this were me, I would replace all of the bulbs since it has been a while. Run the MH for 8-10 hours a day and then bring in the T5s for some night time viewing for a few hours. Use the MH bulbs for 18-24 months and then replace the T5s every 5 years with such low use. Cheap and effective.

 

[CraigJoh]

Thanks Everyone!! I'm definitely going to experiment with turning the T5's off when the MH is on.

Yes, I'm planning on replacing everything as I know the T5's are 12mos old and the MH's are unknown.

I've decided to buy a single 20K so I can compare it to what's there, mostly to try to determine if I currently have 14-15K or 20K, but also to decide if I like the look of 20K. Then I'll probably just use the T5's for sunrise and sunset (MH's currently come on 1 hr apart (over 3 hours) from east to west ) which will buy me a few more months of use of those tubes, and replace the MH's (either 2 more 20K's or 3 15K's)

I also need to replace the PC's (4x55w) I threw together over the newly built frag tank.... All these bulbs at one time!!! talk about poor planning! need to space them out a bit

 

[jda]

If they T5s are only a year old, they have plenty of life left in them. You can do them last, or even a year from now, if you want.

If you want 20k DE, then Hamilton 20k is a good DE bulb. Giesemann line is good too... bit more purple colored, but nice.

 

[CraigJoh]

Apparently, I have a misunderstanding on the life of tubes.....more research to do

 

[Big Smelly fish]

I run my MH only for 4 hours a day and the actinics for 8. I stopped running MH all day because of the intensity really not needed all day.

 

[jda]

Phoenix 14k bulbs can last for 2 years. Search for an advanced aquarist article on them.

I don't really care for many BRS videos since they focus on just stuff that they sell and tend to gravitate towards more expensive things, but they had some pretty compelling evidence that T5 bulbs are just fine for 24 months. If used as a supplement, you can use them until they burn out or you hate the looks.

 

[bibarassa]

Hi Doug do you know how long a 20k radium bulb can last with a Giesemann spectra fixture…I run my 20k radium bulb for 8 hours

 

[jda]

A year, or maybe a bit more. I have run them for 10 hours a day for a year with no issues.

 

[A. grandis]

I have an old t5/mh fixture and it's time for new bulbs, but I'm unsure of which colors to get.

I currently have t5's: 4 Actinic and 4 Actinic combo (purple) and am completely unsure what my 3 MH's are (14k or 20k) other than they are 250w

I'm thinking of going to all 8 actinic, but I think I've done that before and wasn't happy, but would it be better if I went with 20K MH's? assuming I currently have 14K. I was thinking of replacing the T5's first, but as I type this I wonder if I should replace the MH's first so I know what 20K looks like? Maybe change one of the three MH's to see diff?

So, what configuration would you all suggest? (this is for mostly LPS, with a few softies, don't think I'll ever do sticks Also, this is a 6ft fixture over a 165; basically a 125 tall

Don't think metal halides/T5s are mostly for SPS corals! They can give the extra spectrum and intensity to any representation of a shallow reef system type there is. It will enrich your system as a whole with life and showy healthy specimens.

I recommend to change all the bulbs, assuming you have them all expired by use.
I normally change my T5s every year independent of what "color" they are, using them 9 hours a day. I also change my metal halides every 2 years because I use them only about 3-5 hours a day.
You can also do what jda suggested above with great success, logically!

The best T5 bulbs to use with halides, generally speaking, are the ATI Blue Plus and ATI True Actinic in my opinion. They are relatively easy to be found and do a great job in the combo at 1 to 1.
You can also use all ATI Blue Plus if you want. I wouldn't use all True Actinics, but that is just my taste. The ATI Blue Plus have great PAR.
The Phoenix 14K is a nice blue bulb and easy to use. It's a great bulb!!! I also like Hamilton bulbs. The 14K Hamilton will show some nice natural shallow water aspect and will look great with the ATI Blue Plus bulbs!!! It's just a matter of taste for the MHs. I love them all!!! The 10Ks are very white and will provide some strong PAR to the system. If you like the "white/blue" look as for the 14Ks you can try to find the Ushio 14K bulbs. Amazing!!!
If you were using LEDs before go slow adapting the system to the MHs..
Put some pics of your system and fixture if you can in this thread.
Enjoy the advantage of halide/T5s fixture!!!!! They are the real deal keeping corals, clams and zoas!

Giesemann Spectra fixture using 2 X 250W Hamilton 20K with 4 X Blue Plus over my zoanthid tank: