T5 Lighting question

[mac77]

I have a 55g tank with 4 55w t5's run by an Icecap 660 ballast. I believe the bulbs need to be replaced. Any recommendations on what 4 bulbs to use to maximize coral growth? Right now I am growing a long tenticle anemone, gorgonian, devils hand, pulsing xenia, leather coral, and green star polyps. I have noticed that the pulsing xenia are extending their bases (stems) to get closer to the light. I bought my lighting system used and was told the bulbs had 6 months use on them. I have used them now for approx. 4 months for a total use time of 10 months. I run them for 12 hours a day. Are they pretty much spent?

Thanks in advance for any help,

 

[mac77]

Here is a pic of my set up.



<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31475768@N06/3322367885/" title="55g Reef Tank 3-2-09 by nolev77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3322367885_0809b6748c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="55g Reef Tank 3-2-09" /></a>

 

[mac77]

bump

 

[double0banks]

I have read that the best groth combo while maintaining great color in your corals is a 50/50 ratio. (12k/16k) For better growth and less color up the 12k. They are a bit pricey but I've heard great things about the ati bulbs (2 blue special/ 2 blue plus) for the 50/50

 

[mac77]

Thanks a lot for the help...I will look into it.

 

[what'scoral]

Im not an expert with this but your running 4-55w on an icecap 660

(4x55=220w) and the icecap is 440w. I know you can overdrive the bulbs but is this to much. Im only say this because overdriving decreases the bulbs life.

 

[mac77]

So am I overdriving my bulbs? What can I do to fix this problem?

 

[james3370]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14522122#post14522122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mac77
So am I overdriving my bulbs? What can I do to fix this problem?

you don't "fix it", the icecap 660 ballast is designed to overdrive the bulbs...meaning you get more wattage out of them, but that also decreases the life expectancy of the bulbs. i'd say 10 months useage...they are on their way out

for bulbs, ati & giesemann are both very good. check www.reefgeek.com for both brands. they have excellent prices & very low shipping rates.
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Replacement_Bulbs/T5_Fluorescent/

for my build i am using (2) of each of the giesemann 11k & actinic plus bulbs in 24" for a 29 tank