I am currently running SB Reef LEDs over my tank (all SPS) but have a dimmable 8 bulb T5 fixture and 2 strip LEDs that I was planning to switch to. Have heard horror stories of people bleaching and/or killing coral when transitioning from LEDs to T5s and am hesitant to make the switch. Anyone have recommendations for photo-acclimating to the new spectrum? I will rent a par meter to try to match PAR when/if I do the ol switcheroo. Thanks for your time!
Transitioning from LEDs to T5
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You can pretty much just do it. I have not heard of any horror stories when going this way, but plenty when going from T5 to LED.
If you want, start with 4-5 hours and add 15 minutes a day until you get to where you want to be. I don't like to dim T5s, but if you have seperate channels, you can phase these in too.
The quality with the T5s is better, so you can bump up the quantity.
If you want, start with 4-5 hours and add 15 minutes a day until you get to where you want to be. I don't like to dim T5s, but if you have seperate channels, you can phase these in too.
The quality with the T5s is better, so you can bump up the quantity.
mfinn
likes zoanthids
I haven't heard of any horror stories about going from leds to T5's. But they could be out there.
I did it on both my tanks and was a little nervous so I put a couple layers of window screen material over the tank and after 5 days removed one layer and again after another 5 days.
I did it on both my tanks and was a little nervous so I put a couple layers of window screen material over the tank and after 5 days removed one layer and again after another 5 days.
Thank you both for your advice and reassurance! Your responses relieved some of my anxiety about the transition. I think I will try the screens and a shortened photo period at the beginning.
@mfinn, are you glad you made the switch? How long did it take to notice a difference in your coral?
@mfinn, are you glad you made the switch? How long did it take to notice a difference in your coral?
Firemanreefkeeper
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I went from LED only to a t5 led hybrid. I switched and only used the t5 to start then phased in the LED lights after a month. I noticed a difference in a week or so. My corals had color and PE. After a month the new growth was noticeable on the tips. I then started LED and added it to the mix but my t5 still do most of the work. I had good luck and I'm sure you will too.
mfinn
likes zoanthids
Yes I am.
I did start seeing a difference in some within a few months.
I did a few other changes too around the same time.
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Ditto on the T-5 to LED but not vice versa. If you wanted to be ultra careful you could start with the lights a decent height off the tank and slowly lower them. I'd say ramp up the brightness over time, but I'm not at all sure about what effect if any running at below 100% has on intensity and spectrum when it comes to T-5s.
