Light upgrade question

[IhaveNemos]

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"?

 

[Guest]

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]

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]

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

 

[roka64]

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]

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

 

[roka64]

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

 

[SeeDemTails]

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

 

[melosu58]

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