Best approach to increasing light schedule on a new system?

[pocillopro]

I want to go from the low schedule to the higher schedule, but it’s a new system [4 weeks since cycle concluded] and all the new coral I have has already been in the tank with the first schedule for 1-3 weeks now..

How many intervals across how much time should I raise the lighting? I am told ~5 percent per week… but I am not sure if that refers to wattage or 5 percent of each of the spectrums each. ie 20w -> 25w each week, or 40% -> 45% each week.

Or does it even matter than much because all coral is relatively new?

Any other advice is welcome. thanks

note: I started with the low light schedule with to minimize algae growth post-cycle with the intention of raising it as soon as I got coral. I first added low-light corals [>3 weeks ago] and within the last week have acquired LPS and a few SPS. when l first set up the light, I tested the maximum par in my display from the prime 16 and my goal schedule reflects the ideal parameters for the mixed reef I am cultivating.

 

[griss]

What I did when I converted to LED was to adjust the spectrum to the look I like. Then, used the intensity setting to gradually increase the intensity. That way I didn't have to constantly change each color/spectrum. That's what @kharmaguru suggested to me and I did so over a period of 1 month increasing the intensity.

 

[brandon429]

That cool white is the sole setting that can bleach corals and or cause algae soon once you're ramped up

If you left it at zero you'd save a lot of headaches although the very blue look doesn't photograph well the corals love it just fine

The only reason to use any white is for our preference, the corals don't need it. You could set your other blues to the end desired level right now and it wouldn't harm anything, only the white requires slow ramping

Some/a minority/ have zero problems with lots of white so you'll see it recommended often but if you start getting invasions it's that spectrum causing it and not your phosphate levels

 

[kharmaguru]

AI prime has an acclimation mode. Set the light how you want for the final intensity, then set an acclimation mode for 30 days according to this article.

https://support.aquaillumination.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046180734-AI-Light-Using-the-Effects