I recently switched MH bulbs from 10K XM's to 20K XM's. I love the color. I dont know if all the corals are as happy with the change. Question- Will leaving the 20K lights on for a longer time make up for the change in K's? Do I need to leave them on longer so that the corals get enough energy to grow?
Adding duration
- Thread starter tent boy
- Start date
mr.maroonsalty
New member
I would cut back and ramp up duration over a few weeks, just like any new bulb; when you come out the other side I don't think you'll need changing your light schedule much if at all.
Capt_Cully
Active member
I agree. I've changed bulbs plenty of times. The most important thing IMO was to ramp down the photoperiod. Say 8hrs to 5. Then, I'd increase by 1/2 hr every week for a few weeks, and last week just jump back up 1 hr. The corals and their coloration will adjust. Not an instantaneous process, but over time. If you just throw in new bulbs, regardless of Kelvin rating, it's been my experience that corals will burn or even bleach out completely from the stress.
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