Acclimating corals to new light?

[Gboy66]

Hey all! I used to have a 2 bulb PC but just upgraded to a 4 bulb T5HO. My question is, do i just pop on the new light, or slowly acclimate the corals to a new, stronger light over time? How?

I have a standard 30 gallon tank, with my corals being xenia, frogspawn, toadstool, and candycanes. Thanks!

 

[spoonman]

I forgot exactly the plan, but I read that you can put layers of screen under the light and every few days remove one to let more light through. Until there is no screen left.

 

[Gboy66]

I forgot exactly the plan, but I read that you can put layers of screen under the light and every few days remove one to let more light through. Until there is no screen left.

Should i try this with wire screen? I have some, and i could put it right on the lid.

ALSO, this light is on legs now! The other was right on top. So does this make a difference? Could i just flip them on then?

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Any ideas? We just got this new light today and would like to try it out!

 

[carey]

Do you have any egg crate? You can use that like the screen and remove it after a few days.

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

No we dont have any!

 

[carey]

LOL I thought everyone kept that stuff around. But seriously, use some screens or something similar. Just want the light to be diffused a bit so the corals arent getting burned.

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Haha i want some! Lol. And could i use a blanket? Metal screen?

 

[carey]

I guess a metal screen could work, just make sure there is no splashing.

You are talking about a light with pretty good heat coming from it, I sure wouldnt suggest a flammable blanket. LOL

 

[Gboy66]

I guess a metal screen could work, just make sure there is no splashing.

You are talking about a light with pretty good heat coming from it, I sure wouldnt suggest a flammable blanket. LOL

Lol! How about a couple layers of screen...good?

 

[carey]

Sounds good. After a day or two take a layer off and repeat til all the layers are gone.

 

[Gboy66]

Sounds good. After a day or two take a layer off and repeat til all the layers are gone.

And how many layers? I have quite a bit of mesh, but i was planning on using some for a new lid:/ maybe i can fold it lol

 

[Nu-Nu the eel]

Hey guys it is up on the tank and it looks awesome! New light pics! We put the wire netting under it so the corals acclimate, and we folded it a few times

 

[mr_X]

You can buy nylon window screen by the roll, fairly cheaply.

 

[Austin.b]

Nice tank and light! Glad to hear you guys finally upgraded! haha

 

[Gboy66]

Nice tank and light! Glad to hear you guys finally upgraded! haha

Haha yeah! It is so cool! Heres a FTS

 

[Austin.b]

Haha yeah! It is so cool! Heres a FTS

Nice! I'm jealous hahaha

 

[Noneck56]

Just seeing this post but you can adjust the amount of time the lights are on say 3 hrs one day then slowly increase the amount of time until you've reach your max running time.

 

[Gboy66]

Just seeing this post but you can adjust the amount of time the lights are on say 3 hrs one day then slowly increase the amount of time until you've reach your max running time.

Oohhh ya that would have been easier

 

[carey]

Just cutting back the amount of time will still leave your corals burned. Like if you go in the bright sun, does it matter if it's 8 hours or 4 hours? You still get a sunburn.....