Breaking in new t5 bulbs

mdale10128 · 04/18/2018, 08:06 AM

I just ordered the ATI 48 inch 6 bulb dimmable t5 and I noticed on the start up instructions they need to run for 50+ hours at 100% for break in. Should I do this before I hang them over the tank? I am currently running cheap black box LED. I am putting these over a 90 gallon mixed reef tank that is two years old. Thanks

RobZilla04 · 04/18/2018, 08:15 AM

Yes! If you do not intend on running them 100% over the tank, then run them in another place for the first 50 hours. Another option is to run them one hour a day for the first 50 days at 100%. It all depends on how you want to do it.

I assume you are replacing the Black Box LEDs? If so, run the T5 for 50 hours off the tank, then swap out once completed. If supplementing, just run them for a short period each day until you reach the 50 hours.

mcgyvr · 04/18/2018, 08:26 AM

Raise the light up and just crank all the channels to 100% and set your time schedule..
After a week or so then you can lower the fixture and adjust to the dimming percentages you wish to visually please you..

The break-in is only required for dimmable fixtures..
And you can still run them for 8 hours on/16 off or whatever .. It does not need to be continuous..

mcgyvr · 04/18/2018, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZilla04

Another option is to run them one hour a day for the first 50 days at 100%.

... ha ha.... who would do that..

mdale10128 · 04/18/2018, 08:27 AM

Yes I am replacing the black box LEDs. I can not get my coral to grow very well with them. Everything is healthy and stable just no real growth.

mcgyvr · 04/18/2018, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdale10128

Yes I am replacing the black box LEDs. I can not get my coral to grow very well with them. Everything is healthy and stable just no real growth.

Black box LEDs are fully capable of growing corals.. Don't expect miracles here if thats the reason you switched....

mdale10128 · 04/18/2018, 08:34 AM

Growth is not the only reason. I wanted something that was more programmable without the use of external timers and the dimming option was a plus. I am new to keeping a reef tank and just felt somewhat lost with the black box LED and based on my research felt the T5 was a well established and known model for success at a good price point.

RobZilla04 · 04/18/2018, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdale10128

based on my research felt the T5 was a well established and known model for success at a good price point.

So are the LED's.

RobZilla04 · 04/18/2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

... ha ha.... who would do that..

The same folks that don't tear the mattress tags off...

mcgyvr · 04/18/2018, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobZilla04

The same folks that don't tear the mattress tags off...

Wait?... you can tear those off.. crap...

My wife and I spent a good day and a half cutting all the stupid tags off baby clothes/stuffed animals,etc...
Combine that with finding those stupid plastic tag gun ends that are clearly choking hazards....
We bought one "baby mobile" that had 8 animals on it.. Each one had 3 cloth tags and 2 tag barbs on it.. It was so annoying..
Not to mention the silly double sided tape they use to keep the clothing "presentable" on the hangar.. You are guaranteed to miss a few of those and end up putting it through the wash to come out with adhesive/tape remnants all over everything..

04/18/2018, 08:06 AM	#1
mdale10128 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 4	Breaking in new t5 bulbs I just ordered the ATI 48 inch 6 bulb dimmable t5 and I noticed on the start up instructions they need to run for 50+ hours at 100% for break in. Should I do this before I hang them over the tank? I am currently running cheap black box LED. I am putting these over a 90 gallon mixed reef tank that is two years old. Thanks

04/18/2018, 08:15 AM	#2
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Yes! If you do not intend on running them 100% over the tank, then run them in another place for the first 50 hours. Another option is to run them one hour a day for the first 50 days at 100%. It all depends on how you want to do it. I assume you are replacing the Black Box LEDs? If so, run the T5 for 50 hours off the tank, then swap out once completed. If supplementing, just run them for a short period each day until you reach the 50 hours. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

04/18/2018, 08:26 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Raise the light up and just crank all the channels to 100% and set your time schedule.. After a week or so then you can lower the fixture and adjust to the dimming percentages you wish to visually please you.. The break-in is only required for dimmable fixtures.. And you can still run them for 8 hours on/16 off or whatever .. It does not need to be continuous.. __________________ Who me?

04/18/2018, 08:27 AM	#5
mdale10128 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 4	Yes I am replacing the black box LEDs. I can not get my coral to grow very well with them. Everything is healthy and stable just no real growth.

04/18/2018, 08:34 AM	#7
mdale10128 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Posts: 4	Growth is not the only reason. I wanted something that was more programmable without the use of external timers and the dimming option was a plus. I am new to keeping a reef tank and just felt somewhat lost with the black box LED and based on my research felt the T5 was a well established and known model for success at a good price point.