Move from MH/T5 to T5?

[alten78]

Good afternoon all, wanted to get some thoughts about possibly moving from a mh/t5 combo to all t5's.

Currently, I am running one 250w Radium and one 250w Phoenix DE (both on older AquaMedic HQI ballasts) and a retrofit 2X54w C+/B+ over my 75g mostly dominated SPS tank. I am picking up a whole system setup from a local reefer that has a ATI Sunpower 4x54w fixture (C+/B+ bulbs)

I like the idea of less power and heat but I've always ran MH that I am hesitant to move away from them. Should I decide to go with the ATI fixture, what kind of transition would I need to be doing when it comes to acclimation? Any? I would think that anything less than new MH bulbs would be lesser light? My bulbs are all around 6-8 months old, the new fixture are within the past few months.

 

[hann1bal]

I've never used MH but i gotta say once i switched my coralife T5's to ATI's (B+ and C+) I was IN LOVE with the way it looked.

Not much help but wanted to vouch for ATI!

 

[Reef Frog]

Any lighting change to an established tank presents risk, especially to sensitive species like acropias. The ATI seems to be an especially high output T5 so maybe it will match up well to your MH. Having a PAR meter would be ideal. You need to be observant during the transition & be able to react quickly in the event of problems. Best of luck.

 

[alten78]

Any lighting change to an established tank presents risk, especially to sensitive species like acropias. The ATI seems to be an especially high output T5 so maybe it will match up well to your MH. Having a PAR meter would be ideal. You need to be observant during the transition & be able to react quickly in the event of problems. Best of luck.

This was my biggest concern and unfortunately I do not have a PAR meter but will be looking for one. Definitely will be taking it slow but I'm thinking it shouldn't be all too much of a change, but will keep a close eye nonetheless.

 

[alten78]

Made the switch over this morning, to my eyes, this fixture is certainly a lot dimmer than what I am used to. Looking at the pictures though, they dont seem all that different. The guy I got the lights from just used the fixture alone and had a fully packed SPS only tank so I know it will get the job done. I have my original 2x54 retrofit still in my makeshift canopy off now, having the extra two bulbs of course does add a little more brightness but im not convinced i may even need them.

 

[Reef Frog]

Good deal, I hope you post updates down the road.

I bet the new fixture will match fairly well with your old halide lighting and predict you won't have the issues some LEDers have during transition. Best of luck.

 

[hkgar]

I made the conversion from MH/t5 to all t5 about two weeks ago and am happy with the results so far. Here is the thread I started before the switch
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2577161

I am using 8 80W ATI over my 180. From front to back
B+
P+
B+
AB+
Giessman 6700 (I like the red it adds)
Actinc
B+
B+

Here is a thread of mine with a poll of what people are using
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2580432