T-5 and corals browning

pondy · #1 12/04/2007, 08:09 PM

I was just wondering if old T-5's would cause corals to brown out. I dont know how old the blubs are and I plan on getting some new ones here quick but I was wondering if this could be the culprit. Ammonia 0, nitrates 0 nitrites 0, phosphates 0, dKH 9, ph 8.2 SG is 1.027 . I also have a little bit of an algea bloom and the lights is all that I could see that would cause all of this. What do you all think?

luke33 · #2 12/04/2007, 08:39 PM

Whats your setup and what t5's are you using.

Pitcom · #3 12/04/2007, 10:03 PM

Geisemann says actinic bulbs are only good for 1 year with t5. White bulbs are good for 2. If your blues/purples are a year or older, its time for new ones. It can help contribute to algae bloom. My buddy just had the same issue.

pondy · #4 12/05/2007, 08:33 AM

sounds good thanks all, I dont know the bulb type because I bought the set up used so I need to buy some new bulbs anyways. Thanks a ton or your help

pondy · #5 12/05/2007, 10:31 AM

any one else got an idea?

SPACEMANS2 · #6 12/05/2007, 10:57 AM

corals brown when they dont get enough light. It's the opposite of bleaching.

luke33 · #7 12/05/2007, 11:02 AM

Like i asked previously, how large is your tank, what are you trying to keep and what t5 fixture are you using. It may be to little light, or the right amount as some corals brown a bit with t5's.

rigleautomotive · #8 12/05/2007, 11:03 AM

phosphate and nutrients will cause loss of color under any light.weelky water changes will rule out water quality.if you do a 25 percent water change weekly and no improvement after a few weeks i would suspect lighting,but all too often lights are blamed for color loss.some corals will actually get more color as the bulbs loose intensity.

pondy · #9 12/06/2007, 02:00 AM

Ok I have about a 75gallon tank that has a 30 gallno sump. I have mostlysps and Most evry thing is doing great though. I ll have to do more frequent water changes. Thanks

rigleautomotive · #10 12/06/2007, 10:26 AM

no problem,hope it helps

pondy · #11 12/06/2007, 10:58 AM

fixture is a TEK 6 bulb 48" long. Not sure what the bulbs are though.

luke33 · #12 12/06/2007, 11:23 AM

Thats plenty of light for sps so if all your conditions are good, then i would get some new bulb's and see if that helps

Flint&Eric · #13 12/06/2007, 12:52 PM

no3 & po4 @ "0", but algae is a problem? sounds like it's your water. what tests are you using?

pondy · #14 12/06/2007, 07:54 PM

I am using API tests. I just did a 5 gallon water change and in a few days Ill do another and I am getting ready to order some new bulbs. I think mine are a bit old. So I will be doing that here quick.