new lights!

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by phoenixhieghts, Mar 6, 2008.

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  1. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,121
    Location:
    Manchester UK
    Finally my new lights have come - I just was not expecting the MH to be that bright!!! Its so bright its drowning out the T5 actinics and the corals are not as colourful, alot of the greens have gone - Not sure what kelvin it is but i may buy a new one! From what i've read the 14k ones are not as white?
    Never saw my coral just under blue lighting - its amazing how flourescent the green is!!


    Im afraid my camera just does not do it any justice! so im not showing!

    Just some questions - is it normal for the mh to take a few moments to come on and then buzz a little bit until it heated up??
    Is the anything i can do to reduce the glare?? it did come with anti-glare sheilds but it would appear they can only be used if your hanging from the ceiling, and im using tank brackets
    Also i've been told the actinics represent moonlight and can be left on all the time - is this true??

    thanks
     
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  3. KOgle

    KOgle Zoanthid

    Joined:
    May 4, 2007
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    1,109
    Location:
    Columbus Indiana
    Congrats! It's normal for MH's to take a second to "fire" and then buzz for a second. And yes they are BRIGHT! ;D

    As for the actinics they need to be turned off at night. You can add a monnlight though for night time viewing and to give your shrimp and other night movers some light.

    Tangster made me a awesome AAT moonlight so you might shout at him...
     
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  4. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    You should only run these for a few hours a day until you have your corals use to the light. I don't know what type of light you had to begin with but you can bleach corals out quick with new lights.
     
  5. phoenixhieghts

    phoenixhieghts Panda Puffer

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    I had T5's to begin with - I was going to run them for about 5 hours a day and then gradually increase it from there, does that sound right??

    Im quite amazed how they have all reacted - the toadstool and mushrooms in pirticular!!
     
  6. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    Congrats on your new lights... SWEET!!!!!!!!!