T5 to Halide change over.

[Pinkfish]

I have finally got my HALIDE lights yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
DIY of course I know I know you have your doubts .... will post pics soon.

Anyway I currently use 2 T5 whites and will tomorrow install 2x 250w Halides

My question to you all is how long should I have the Halide lights on for at the beginning 8hrs ?

I currently run 2xActanics for 12hrs and 2xwhites for 11hrs.

I will continue to use the Atanics for 12rs.

So how long should I run the Halides. PS both Halide Bulbs are brand new and havent been burnt in.

Mike

[flying Jock]

Hi

I would go with the same time duration but have the halides situated higher above the tank so you do not burn the corals.

Once a week you can lower the halides until you eventually you get them to the correct position.

Good luck you sure wont regret it!;)

FJ

[Cudders]

That's quite a jump from two T5s.

I'd also shorthen the duration to start with and build this up. Just take your time but the corals will love the extra light :)

Cudders

[MR Teee]

Agree with FJ, Keep the halides high up to start with and slowly lower them over a period of a few weeks.

TBH Cudders I wouldn't shorten the duration. Allthough it is a stonger source of light, the corals and inhabitants would have become accustomed to the lighting periods.

Changing this suddenly may only stress them further. IMHO.

[Pinkfish]

Problem is that I have a hood and the Halides will be built onto the top of the hood so I cant raise or lower them. Need to mount them onto wall brackets first, due to the weight 10kgs each. My hood wont support them.

[flying Jock]

That is the best way to raise or lower them.

I use heavy duty shelve brackets from B+Q.

They come in and white or black and will hold your halide easily.

The great thing about the brackets is that they can be lowered around 1cm at a time.

Good luck

FJ

[moorish]

i would reduce the time by about 3 hours and hang the halides higher up gradually reducing them over a few weeks.derek