Changing Lighting

[blackcows]

Currently I have 3 96W PC bulbs over my 65 gallon reef. I had to go with PCs because my tank is built into the wall and I couldn't find a way to make MH fixtures fit. I have now found a way but it will take some time and money. I will be adding 2 MH bulbs and three VHO bulbs for a total of 700 watts. I live in an area where we only have a few LFS and it is not common to see nice looking Zoas in the store so when I see them I purchase them. I have read in this forum that lighting can impact the color of Zoas and what I am wondering is if these are permenant changes. In other words if I buy Zoas now and put them under my current lighting will it have any impact on their future color, should I just wait until I get more sufficient lighting?

Mike

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Blackcows, your question has great merit. I don't mean to sound smart mouth at all, but lighting will affect the color of everything in your tank. Zoos can and will adapt to most any type of lighting. Not all changes are permanent. Depending on the bulb, manufacturer, watts, K value and the type of ballast you are using, all will determine the color of your zoos.

I would be most concerned with properly acclimating your existing zoos to the new MH lighting. A common mistake that I've seen in the past, is the rush to upgrade from PC's to MH without proper light acclimation, resulting in polyp retraction and bleaching/fading. This can be avoided by purchasing window screening from your local hardware store. Layering 5 panels on top of your tank and removing one panel per week. Doing so will slowly acclimate your corals to the new more intense MH lighting.

Blues, reds and some pinks tend to fade and lose their intensity with a dramatic light shift. If you want to play it very safe, just hold off on any new purchases until the new MH are install.

Hope this helps.

Mucho