Photo Acclimation?

[Reefaddict]

What kind of acclimation will need to be done by upgrading my PC lighting on my reef tank to MH/PC lighting. With my current PC lighting, I have 4.5 WPG. Im moving everything to a bigger tank and adding MH's to the PC's. The bigger tank will be receiving 12.5WPG, with the MH/PC lighting. I know its a big jump, but Im going to be moving up to a bigger tank size again soon, so I decided to go with lights that will not have to be upgraded, everytime I upgrade tank sizes. The tank is a mixed reef, almost two years old. SPS, LPS, soft corals, a bulb anemone, and polyps. Over 30 corals total. 1 yellow tang, and 2 small clowns. I have a chiller and two big fans on the hood, so I dont think heat will be a problem, Plus I've moved to the unbearably cold midwest, and its always freezing in my apartment!

Thanks for any suggestions...
-Mike

 

[fishfreek]

YOu should start out with the MH only running for a few hours a day. Lets say 4 hours a day and then over the corse of two months extend the photo period 1 additional hour a week till our up to 10 hours a day of MH lighting.

As far as the freezing part. Make sure you have ample heater capacity in the tank to keep it a nice and toasty 80F when the lights are off.

 

[Reefaddict]

Thanks for that fishfreek! Im glad I asked about that one. Im starting this tank up tomorrow. About how far above the tank should I hang the lights? As far as the heater goes, I have a 350 watt titanium, micro-computer controlled unit, with LCD display of the actual tank temp. I was told it is the best. ProHeat II I think its called, anyway that should be sufficient I hope! I have been keeping the tank at 77 degrees. I have not seen any fluctuation in that temp, and I was under the impression 80F was a bit warm. Im just repeating what I was told though. Should I raise my tank temp?

Thanks again for all the help!
-Mike