Ok in my prior post I asked about changing to T5 lighting for my 65 gallon aquarium to accommodate some LPS corals and possible SPS corals. In order to fit over my 65 gallon half hex aquarium I had to do this in two phases (dimensions tapper on top) so to start I added a fixture with 4 48" 54w T5 bulbs and then added some frogspawn, hammer, torch, brain coral. Now I am adding another fixture over the front side with 4 36" 39w T5 bulbs. My question is how should I add this fixture without shocking the coral. Also with the amount of light I have added is there any corals I should still not consider.

Thanks

You could think about placing your corals lower in the tank and slowly raising them up over the next weeks. However, if this is not possible because your corals are glued in place, then you could always buy some fluorescent light diffusers, layer them over the tank, and slowly remove them over the next couple of weeks to help the corals to acclimate to the increased lighting.

I have a complete T5 lighting system, and so far, I haven't come across any corals that don't thrive in this lighting. How deep in your tank? Many people here in Europe have switched completely over to T5 lighting and I've seen nothing but beautiful coral coloration and reduced electricity bills!

Diffusers or simple screen material for window applications would work.

Dave

The tank is around 18 1/2" deep from the top of the 1 3/4" sand bed. I like the idea of diffusing some of the light with window screen thanks for the suggestion.

De nada... just regurgitating what I've learned :)

Dave

Just out of curiosity, why did you opt for 39W vs. 54W lighting?

I have two fixtures one 48" long with four 54w bulbs for the back and one 36" fixture with four bulbs 39w each so I will have a total of 372w over the entire aquarium. They make 54w for the 36" fixture?

duh...sorry...I misread your original post.

No, I don't think they make 54W for the 36" fixture.

But, with the 54W bulbs, you should be fine for the depth of your aquarium!

How are the corals doing with the new lights?