Upgrading to T5. Acclimation required?

[reefandreptileautomation]

So I have been running an Ecotech XR30 for about 5+ years now. I just got a new tank and setup the new tank with 2 XR30's and now 4 t5 54w 48" hybrid. I have the LEDs running at the same schedule and same height as I did before. I checked par and it is about the same now with the T5's not running.

My question is should I acclimate somehow with the t5 bulbs? If so what should I do? I know when I turn on the t5 my Par doubles almost. So I would likely need to turn down the LEDs to match the par with the T5s. Any suggestions on how I should do this?

Thank you!

 

[ScottR]

So I have been running an Ecotech XR30 for about 5+ years now. I just got a new tank and setup the new tank with 2 XR30's and now 4 t5 54w 48" hybrid. I have the LEDs running at the same schedule and same height as I did before. I checked par and it is about the same now with the T5's not running.

My question is should I acclimate somehow with the t5 bulbs? If so what should I do? I know when I turn on the t5 my Par doubles almost. So I would likely need to turn down the LEDs to match the par with the T5s. Any suggestions on how I should do this?

Thank you!

I switched from LED to T5’s. I turned on T5’s and put LEDs at lowest setting for each color. Then slowly upped LEDs each day. I did not check par. And to be honest, everything looked happier after a couple of days. I’ll say that I got algae growth in some areas that the LEDs couldn’t reach because T5 spreads light better than LEDs. Running mixed reef.

 

[Kodock]

Following. I have been considering an aquatic life hybrid. From what I’ve read, some have just ran the t5 for maybe 2 hours only and increased the longevity of t5, as they deemed fit. Scott’s proposition makes sense as well.

 

[reefandreptileautomation]

The problem is if I run the t5 for 2 hours let’s say I would need to decrease the LEDs during that time as well I presume due to the high PAR value of the combined led/t5. I am not sure if it matters though.

 

[Kodock]

The problem is if I run the t5 for 2 hours let’s say I would need to decrease the LEDs during that time as well I presume due to the high PAR value of the combined led/t5. I am not sure if it matters though.

Ahh I see. In my mind, it depends on how the t5’s reflect. The PAR would only increase in spots where the t5 and led light coverage overlaps. It depends on the fixture and how far the overlap extends. These were what problems I have been considering for implementing my AL hybrid fixture.

1.) Decrease LED, in the middle, power to avoid high PAR in overlap areas, but then you lose previous PAR directly under the led that doesn’t overlap.

2.) Move items in tank to adjust dangerously high PAR spots and run everything normally.

3.) Wing it and acclimate to a high PAR.

Here’s a ugly/relative picture I made in paint to help illustrate what my brain is thinking. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Colors for highest PAR risk are probably wrong, but yea.

 

[Viking_Reefing]

What I did when I added T5’s was to keep the LEDs on the same setting and start of with 30min on the T5’s and increase with 30min every four days. It seemed like it did the trick, no problems what so ever

 

[reefandreptileautomation]

That’s a good idea as well.

Again my issue is the par will just be too high combined.

What I ended up doing is lowering the LEDs a lot and turned on the T5 and now the par is very similar to the old setup. So far no issues but only time will tell.

 

[blstravler]

That’s a good idea as well.

Again my issue is the par will just be too high combined.

What I ended up doing is lowering the LEDs a lot and turned on the T5 and now the par is very similar to the old setup. So far no issues but only time will tell.

Doing a very similar set up - how high was your par once you added the T5’s?

 

[reefandreptileautomation]

The T5s .gained me around 75-150 par