Light upgrade question - Aquarium Advice

IhaveNemos · 10-30-2006, 10:21 PM

Hi folks!

I just upgraded my lights from 2x 175W Mh 20k to 3x 250W MH 10k and, 96 W Actinic. My tank is 135G is a hair under 2' deep.

I read a long time ago about "phasing" the lights in so acclimitize the corals, but the specific details elude my memory.

For now, I'm just shortening the MH times from 8 hrs to 4-5. Does anyone remeber the specifics, or will I be ok with my "plan"?

10-31-2006, 12:08 AM

There are many ways to do it. If you get some kind of mesh such as bridal vail you can put layers on eggcrate below your lights and remove a layer a day. It is really simple.

Shortening and working your light time up can work but be careful to go slow and monitor everything.

**roka64** · 10-31-2006, 08:58 AM

Mike had a good suggestion, just don't get it too close to the MHs. You could also up the lighting by 1 hour a week or so.

**melosu58** · 10-31-2006, 09:14 AM

I`ve always recommended starting off 4 or 5 hrs a day and then moving up to more hours slowly.

**roka64** · 10-31-2006, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melosu58

I`ve always recommended starting off 4 or 5 hrs a day and then moving up to more hours slowly.

Over what peroid of time? Just curious, I wasn't sure on the week thing, I just like to be cautious.

**melosu58** · 10-31-2006, 09:31 AM

I agree with what you said Scott. ! hr a week will be fine

**roka64** · 10-31-2006, 09:42 AM

Cool, I wasn't 100% sure on corals, but I read it in a few posts. Thanks again, Mel!

SeeDemTails · 10-31-2006, 10:33 AM

Metal screen for windows works good. Use like 5 layers and take one off every two days.

**melosu58** · 10-31-2006, 10:48 AM

That sounds good also tails. I`ve never heard that but it sounds reasonable

10-30-2006, 10:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
IhaveNemos Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 28	Light upgrade question Hi folks! I just upgraded my lights from 2x 175W Mh 20k to 3x 250W MH 10k and, 96 W Actinic. My tank is 135G is a hair under 2' deep. I read a long time ago about "phasing" the lights in so acclimitize the corals, but the specific details elude my memory. For now, I'm just shortening the MH times from 8 hrs to 4-5. Does anyone remeber the specifics, or will I be ok with my "plan"?

10-31-2006, 08:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,576 Images: 12	Mike had a good suggestion, just don't get it too close to the MHs. You could also up the lighting by 1 hour a week or so. __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

10-31-2006, 09:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 11,427 Images: 73	I`ve always recommended starting off 4 or 5 hrs a day and then moving up to more hours slowly. __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

10-31-2006, 09:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 11,427 Images: 73	I agree with what you said Scott. ! hr a week will be fine __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

10-31-2006, 09:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
roka64 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,576 Images: 12	Cool, I wasn't 100% sure on corals, but I read it in a few posts. Thanks again, Mel! __________________ Uh-oh, I just overloaded my Bioload! Vote for AA Good reading about: Nitrogen Cycle Fishless Cycling Need more help? Articles Acronym List --Scott

10-31-2006, 12:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	There are many ways to do it. If you get some kind of mesh such as bridal vail you can put layers on eggcrate below your lights and remove a layer a day. It is really simple. Shortening and working your light time up can work but be careful to go slow and monitor everything.

10-31-2006, 10:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
SeeDemTails Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Daytona Beach FL Posts: 436 Images: 4	Metal screen for windows works good. Use like 5 layers and take one off every two days.

10-31-2006, 10:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
melosu58 SW 10 yrs and over Community Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Richmond Va Posts: 11,427 Images: 73	That sounds good also tails. I`ve never heard that but it sounds reasonable __________________ View My Tanks Click here to Visit FantasyReef

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