Changing my T5's

[jwill275]

I have the 72" Nova Extreme Pro with 12 T5's. I'm way overdue for new:thumbdown bulbs. Changing the bulbs on this fixture isn't exactly like changing a table lamp, so replacing them 2 at a time would be a real pain. Can I raise the fixture 4-5" and reduce my time by a couple of hours a day? I was also thinking about placing some dark window screen over the tank? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[rtecanoe]

If u can easily raise the unit a few inches I would do that for a couple of days. I have 6 80watt bulbs over my 180 and I just decrease the length of lighting for a couple of days an I also make sure I wipe any salt off my old bulbs a week before I change them. I've never had any bleaching or anything when I change bulbs. Mine r a DIY built into my canopy so I can't raise them.

 

[hoganrj1]

Window screen works well too. I used 4 layers and took one off every 4-5 days. Corals all adjusted and even showed better color shortly after the bulb change. Btw. I use a 36" nova pro.

 

[jwill275]

I raised the light fixture 6 inches and I'm replacing four bulbs at a time every other day. I will then gradually lower the fixture.