Coral LiGht Acclimation

[UGA XI]

Just had a quick question for members of this forum. How should I Go about acclimatinG SPS into my tank. Most of the time when I buy/trade fraGs I buy them online, and then place them in my tank. However, I have had a horrible success rate because I seem to fry them all when I start turninG on the liGhts. I have 3x400 watt MH if that helps. Any suGGestions would be Greatly appreciated.

 

[Znut Reefer]

Start them off on the bottom, then over a period of weeks move them slowly up.

 

[UGA XI]

Should I only run the lights for a short period of time when I first place them in the tank. To go from complete darkness to 3x400 watt lighting seems like it would fry them. I'm just not sure what kind of pattern I should use. Run them for 1 hour the first day, 2 hours the second day, 3 hours the third, etc? Anyone have any ideas??????

 

[UGA XI]

bump

 

[UGA XI]

Anybody?????

 

[ADA33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8355673#post8355673 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by znut Reefer
Start them off on the bottom, then over a period of weeks move them slowly up.

I also put them on the bottom and raise them to where I want them the second week.

Also have 2 400w 14k mh

 

[Conceyted]

x3. on the bottom raise them after a week or two

 

[Znut Reefer]

I always start them on the bottom and move them up. Especially if you use 400 MH. Because if they are use to less light, the 400's will fry them. They have to get use to the more intense lighting or they will bleach.

I think most people will agree on this.

 

[Shawnts106]

What Kelvin are your bulbs?

65/10K's will fry the pee-tar out of corals even at the bottom if they are not used that to wattage and intensity

 

[UGA XI]

I have 3x400 watt 10k MH's. Should I run the bulbs for a certain number of hours to start with, and then gradually increase the number of hours the MH's are run with time? Thanks again guys.

 

[trueblackpercula]

I have seen wholesalers place window screens over the top of the holding tanks. To cut down the amount of light the the newly transported corals will get . this has been helpful in cutting down streesed out corals.
Michael

 

[UGA XI]

Thanks trueblackpercula.... that makes some sense.

 

[Shawnts106]

I have 3x400 watt 10k MH's

Ah, yes, this is probably why... Are they XM brand?


You'll need to seriously photoacclimate ANY new coral your going to put in the tank..

I have seen wholesalers place window screens over the top of the holding tanks. To cut down the amount of light the the newly transported corals will get . this has been helpful in cutting down streesed out corals.

Very true, I do that at the store I work at.

Get some Nylon black screen and place it over the newly arrived corals, while still placeing the coral on the bottom..

Start out with 3 sheets or so, then about 5 or so days later, 2 sheets, a week later 1 sheet, then start moving it up where you want to, moving it 6 inches or so every 3 to 5 days untill you reach the disired finnal placement of the coral, leave the last screen sheet on there for about 5 to 8 more days and then you should be fine to take it off...

Sound right guys???
thats about a month or so's worth of photoacclimation.

are you supplimenting with actinics?


what is your current photoperiod?