T5 bulb configuration... need some input

[The Grizz]

Now this is what I was talking about, experience with the bulb thanks chris88

So I should be a little more detailed about the lights and timers so I get it right the first time.

I have 2 - 4 bulb fixtures per side with 3 individual switches / cords per fixture. So I am calling them light bank 1, 2, 3, & 4. each bank has it own timer as well.

So it would go something like this:

back to front:
ATI AquaBlue Spec............bank 1............ 1st on @ 9 am
ATI Blue+........................bank 2..............2nd on @10 am
KZ Fiji Purple....................bank 1.............1st on @9 am
ATI Blue+........................bank 2..............2nd on @10 am
UVL White Actinic.............bank 3..............3rd on @11 am
ATI Blue+........................bank 4..............4th on @ noon
ATI Aquablue Special.........bank 3..............3rd on @ 11 am
ATI Blue+........................bank 4..............4th on @ noon

then start to cycle off in reverse order @ 6 pm, moon LEDs on at 9 pm - 6 am

[lockrookie]

you lost me i have those same lights i kinda understand what you are doing are you haveing both fixtures side by side im assuming lengthwise on those fixtures switch one turns on 2 bulbs switch 2 turns on the other two switch 3 moon lights

so you would have switch one turn on at one time on both ? or just one fixture?\

i know this has nothign to do with bulbs im just trying to wrap my brain around it

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by lockrookie

you lost me i have those same lights i kinda understand what you are doing are you haveing both fixtures side by side im assuming lengthwise on those fixtures switch one turns on 2 bulbs switch 2 turns on the other two switch 3 moon lights

so you would have switch one turn on at one time on both ? or just one fixture?\

i know this has nothign to do with bulbs im just trying to wrap my brain around it

Ya Jeff I have joined 2 fixtures together to run the length of the tank 8', so there is 2 rows of fixture's. Bank 1 is 2 - bulbs per side of tank, 4 bulbs total length and so on for bank 2, 3, & 4. My build thread shows the fixture's on the tank.

[lockrookie]

k got it ive been anxously following your build as you know lol giving me ideas for my 3 to 400 possible buildin my basement .. wifes losing her office but hey its all for the name of a daycare rightoff i hope...first home daycare with ocean learning center? think that will fly? lol

i think your bulb idea is ok from what ive read and iff all else fails you have room for changes in future

[chris88]

I like your idea of staggering the bulb times but i think you might like it more visually if you did the traditional blues on first then white bulbs on second.
The fiji purple is a strong bulb and if you run it with just one other bulb or even just two other bulbs the color comes out very pink and kind of funky. Most people suggest running it with a minimum of 1-5. 1 fiji or actinic white with 5 other bulb/white bulbs to keep the color realistic.

If I were you I would run it something like this. I don't know exactly how your lights come on and it what order but I am assuming you have the ability to control the lights in 2 bulbs at a time. So I would do the following.

Same combo for each half of the tank: If you tank is more than 18 inches deep run the lights for 12 hours. If you tank is 18 or shallower run them for 10hrs max.

2x ati blue plus 6am
1x ati blue plus + fiji purple 7am
1 x ati aqua blue + ati blue plus 8am
1x ati aqua blue + actinic white 9am

Reverse cycle and stagger the opposite.

There are a few benefits to something like this vs. 2 on then 6 on. You will visually mimic the suns brightness and pattern. Visually it’s not boring. You will be able to see 4 different color schemes with 4 different effects on the corals color. At any giving time during cycle you could see something different and you balance out the pinks of the fiji purple and actinic white. It is easier on the corals and fish as well, the sun doesn’t just have one strength and color. It changes based on the time of day and cloud cover. Let me know what you end up going with because i would love to see some pictures. I have used all of these bulbs and I think you will be happy with the.

[The Grizz]

I like this idea chris and yes I can control 2 light at a time.

[The Grizz]

"tank is 18 or shallower run them for 10hrs max."

So I totally get your combination, so the 10 hrs max would that be from the time the first set of bulbs come on to when the last set of bulbs go off.

[chris88]

T5's dont penetrate very well in deep tanks so to make up for the lack up PAR you would just run your bulbs longer. When there is an excess of PAR usually from MH or T5 in shallow tanks there can actually be a negative effect on growth and color from running your lights to long. 12hrs is usually the longest ideal time to run them, some people have great results with 8 or less hours. I run my T5's for 12hrs with my Ati blue plus' and 10hrs with my full lights on. When i replace my bulbs next week i will lower this to 10hrs blue plus and 8hrs full lights for the first few weeks to help acclimate the corals and then slowly bring it back to the old regime. You can always plus with the time a bit you might be supprised that lowering the light time might give you better results. I have found in my current tank the 10-12hrs works best for growth.

My lighting schedule looks like this in my 50g with 6 t5's

10am - 9:30 pm 2x ati blue plus
11am - 8:00 pm 3x ati blue plus 2x ati aqua blue 1x actinic white