Vancop Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 How long are people geting out of their T5 lights ?? Mine are 48' 54 Watt .....Stock lights. I have been running them now for 8 months and was wondering when or how do I know when its time to replace them ?? And when its time ...what would be a good selection?? I have 4 white and 2 actenics ? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancecobb1 Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I change mine around 12 months. what type of corals do you have in your tank? I really like the ati blue plus bulbs i have 4 of them out of my 8 geisemann and uvl make good bulbs too! Just my opinion though! Take it with a grain of salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltfinsax Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I have a Nova Extreme Pro that came with curent stock bulbs and after like 4 or 6 months corals started to look like crap. I went and got good spendy bulbs and things are still looking great and I am heading into my 11 month on them now. I think this is what I am running frount to back ATI Blue + GE 5500k Daylight ATI Blue + UVL Aquasun ATI Blue + Aquablue This list was giveing to me by another reefer saying gives good color and good light, but this is a six bulb fixture as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancop Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Thanks for replies, I have the Nova extreme also, not much for corals yet, 8 months old...I have tried but they don't do to well. I am still dealing with a diatom issue and was wondering if maybe its the lights nearing the end of their lifespan. And yes...they are current brand. I run 10 hrs a day with Atenics on 12 hrs and moon lights all night. They all look as bright as day one, I just can't get rid of the brown covering on my glass and equip. I do a 20% water change...wipe it all down...7-10 days its back. I can't clean the back glass very well so it builds up pretty good. Just exploring a different area, as I was told the lights can cause algae issues also. I have gone the water chemistry route and after several months / paychecks I feel the chemistry is not the issue anymore...all parameters are great to perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saltfinsax Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 I would say that you stock bulbs are time to go. If you want to come over and see what mine look like before you buy new ones, lets set a time close to 6 and 7:30 and we can freek my corals out and flick them back and forth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 I'm at 24 months on my bulbs. Since i'll be changing tanks and going to a MH/T5 combo sometime in the next 6 months i'm going to leave them. Actinic+ Aquablue+ Aquasun Aquablue+ Aquablue+ Actinic+ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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