Another question about RBTA's involving a lighting upgrade

[kimsie]

Hi!

So I'm posting this question for my mom

She recently bought a RBTA and put it in her 12g NanoCube while waiting to get her new tank. We know this probably wasn't the wisest choice but seeing a healthy tank raised specimen got the better of us... Due to the low lighting - it has lost some color.

However - Now she does have her new 29g HQI Nano Cube set up and we are going to be transferring it over soon.

My question is - this RBTA will be going from 1 24w PC to a 14,000K 150w HQI.

How would you all best suggest to acclimate it to the new lights. Currently it's getting about 12 hours of the PC light.

Thanks for your help!!

Kim

 

[Kimsie'sMom]

Thanks Kim.

It wasn't her fault I bought to soon. Just an overeager beginner. I'm learning my lesson the hard way that I need patience and research before I purchase.

I'm just a slow learner.

Thanks so all for the help.:rollface:

 

[E.J. Coral]

IME, the best way to acclimate light is by raising/lowering the fixture. Changing the photoperiod is less effective and more stressful, IMO.

 

[kimsie]

Oh... Thank you E.J. Coral! I wasn't sure if the legnth of photoperiod was the way to go or of it would be better to lessen the light.

Since this is a Nanocube HQI and the light is in the hood - I don't think I can exactly lower and raise it (unless I just left it partly open - if you think I should explore that let me know).

I had thought that maybe the use of multiple screens like I've read about on here might be better than shortening the photoperiod. So get some screen to lay between the tank and the hood - about 5 pieces or so - then every 2 days take a layer off?

Would you suggest that? Or should I try leaving the hood open partly - which would have the light be at an angle over the tank and not directly over it?

OR - would you suggest going with a shorter photo period?

Thank you SO much for any ideas and suggestions! We want to this as best we can...

Kim

 

[Toddrtrex]

I would do both, going to be a big change.

Would do the screens and shorten the photo period.

I personally have always had good look with just shortening the photo period, but this is a big change, and such a small tank.

 

[kimsie]

Thanks Todd - how short would you take the photoperiod?

Would you give me an example schedule you would use?

 

[Toddrtrex]

This is what I did with my 75 ( had both a BTA and Haddoni at the time of the upgrade )

When from 6*65 PC to 2*250MH + 2*54T5. The MH fixture was/is 5" higher then the PC fixture.

The T5s ( actinics ) were on the same time schedule during this whole time 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

First week, MH on for 3 hours.
2nd week 4 hours.
3rd week 5 hours
4th, I grew impatient and left them on for 7.5 hours, which is the normal schedule.

 

[kimsie]

Great - Thank you Todd!

This tank only has one MH - no Atinic's - it does have one moon light...

I think I'll do what you suggested - but add screens into the mix as well.

 

[Toddrtrex]

You're welcome Kim ( and Kim's mom )

Yea, for that much of an increase adding the screens will be a good idea.

 

[kimsie]

Oh Thanks Todd - Thanks for helping my mom on her other thread too!

 

[Toddrtrex]

LOL Sure thing.

That is what I am here for. (( and to look busy while at work. ))