Do T-5 have a burn in time like MH?

[Fcamdog]

I know MH need to "burn in" when they are brand new for 2-3 weeks before the bulb "settles in" and then you'll see how it will look until it burns out.

My question is, do T-5 bulbs have a burn in time as well? I bought a 4 bulb retro fit kit for my 40g breeder and asked the salesman for help selecting the bulbs as I am new to T-5. I specifically said I can't stand MH tanks with 20k bulbs, but liked the look of a tank with just a 14k MH. Anyways, my tank is way too blue for me.

Bulbs are, 1 blue 460, 1 actinic white (i think it is 10k it looks like it), 1 12k (looks kind of purple) and last one is 1 blue 460.

I am really hoping the blue mellows out. Will it? Thanks,

Fcamdog

[mtisc323]

T-5's dont generally have the burn in time ... from your bulb choice it certainly seems like a pretty blue tank, if you replaced one of the blue 460's with either a 10k or 12k bulb, the blue would certainly be mellowed out.

[Fcamdog]

Any recommendations for a 4 bulb combination for optimum growth and color? Keep in mind I like the look of a single MH 14K bulb all by itself. Thanks,

Fcamdog

[grigsy]

Generally, there is no burn in period like MH bulbs have (100 hours).

Some bulbs will have a wave in them when you first light them - this can be also true for both PC or VHO - but with a couple days use, that tends to go away.

If you have independent controls for the 4 bulb retro, you may want to go with 2 actinic 420nm and two 10K white. That would be a good choice.

Check with premium or reef geek for good prices on those.

[mojo~]

With what you like I would go with two ati blue plus, a ati aquablue special 12k and a ge 6500. this will give you some color pop from the blues and a nice warm color you would expect as well.