How long No Lights?

[mynd]

Hello all,

I am going to replace my PC's in my aqualight pro fixture with t5's. I have to remove it from over the tank and disassemble it and then just do it. I have all my parts except for some screws. I am thinking that from start to finish it might take me as long as 6 - 8 hours. Do you think this time frame is too long for my tank to be without ANY light at all? I know it is not always sunny out.. I know that night time is longer. However, even during the night there is the moon and even when it is cloudy there is still UV penetration ( more so then when it is sunny ). I would just like to get some peoples feeling about this. If you know my tank there are a couple sps ( hardy ) 20 + acans, some hammers, favia's, zoas and palys. What do you think?

Thanks!

PS.. Also another question. My fixture is currently 22" from the bulbs to the bottom of the tank and the tank is only 16 inches tall. When I replace my 9 month old PC's that are 130watts ( total ) with my new t5 24w replacements would you leave the light where it is now? raise it a couple more inches and if so how many? Suggestions welcome.

Thanks again!

 

[Jf2381]

Raise the fixture after adding the new bulbs.

The corals will be ok for a couple of days with no lights. It's not always sunny in the wild.

 

[chase33]

I agree. The inhabitants will be fine.

 

[vangvace]

Your corals can typically go 2-3 days without light before it becomes an issue. Indirect or direct sunlight can streach it out longer too if needed, but then you have to watch your temps during that time.

Why do you want to raise the fixture?

Don't forget to shorten your photoperiod to allow for the corals to adjust to the new lights. Old PC bulbs to new T5s can be a shock to them.

 

[mynd]

OK , well the new lights are in .. Was a nice custom job if I do say so myself.. I have raised the fixture to 24 inches to bottom of tank from bulbs and the tank is only 15 inches deep, so I think the distance from the fixture to the tank and then the water getting in the way should keep the corals happy. HOWEVER, I would like to hear from others in regards to the new lights over my aquapod and how close or far off the tank the light should be? Keep in mind that at 21 inches from the bottom my mushrooms are heading for cover UNDER the rocks. Let me know what you guys think and why..

Thanks!

 

[vangvace]

I am so confused by that post...

So how far off from the water are the lights? Are the T5s with individual reflectors? How much wattage?

IMO your corals are adjusting to your new lights. T5s can rival MH for tank lighting. In particular in nano tanks.


pics or it didn't happen.

 

[mynd]

The fixture is 9 inches from the top of the tank,, the bulbs are current 24" to the bottom of the tank ( that means from the bottom of the tank to the actual light bulb is 24" ) The t5's are individual reflectors at 24 watts a piece ( geismann blue + and pure actinic )