How do you acclimate new frags to your lights?

[shelburn61]

Please describe your light acclimation process:

1) How long do you acclimate, if at all?
2) Do you follow the same regimen for each and every frag or does it vary based on species/source?
3) Do you use window screen, reduced photoperiod, gradually move them up in the tank, etc.?
4) ... and anything else of interest?

(I realize this has been discussed before so feel free to post links.)

 

[panic]

1st day - no light
2nd day - half photoperiod, kept out of direct light
3rd day - low in tank and off to the side
2 days - low in tank in direct light
6th day I usually mount and move up 6" per week

This works for me so far. I've got 60ish in my display and over 100 mounted in my prop tank

 

[parkavenuereef]

Panic that was very interesting and informative.. Thanks!

 

[Philwd]

I put all frags at the bottom for 2 weeks then move 1/2 way for 2 weeks then on top if that's where they are going. For new lights I use 2 screens. Take off 1 each week.

 

[AQUA951]

To tell you the truth....i've never acclimate any of my sps frags/colony once! I take it out of the bag and leave it out for about 1min and just put them on the sand bed. Leave it there for 1-2 weeks and move it higher if I feel the need to. Never have lost a frag/colony! Knock on Wood.....

 

[shelburn61]

I rarely lose a frag, but I have severely lightened a few even when they came from more intense light. Intense light seems to exacerbate the stress of a move?

 

[SunnyX]

I have never acclimated any fish or corals.
When I receive a frag, I mount it in it permanent place.
I have yet to have any problems.

 

[shelburn61]

Not even fish?! Are you putting them into hyposalinity in quarantine? I have seen a big improvement since I started drip-acclimating fish.

 

[merlock116]

i don't acclimate sps corals. they're used to being out of the water every time the tide goes out. dipping them for red bugs and flatworms is necessary though.

lps are a different story. it's better to acclimate them, but i've gone without acclimation also. they just get a little more ****y but after a few hours are fine.

 

[SunnyX]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6623232#post6623232 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shelburn61
Not even fish?! Are you putting them into hyposalinity in quarantine? I have seen a big improvement since I started drip-acclimating fish.

Its better in my opinion, to drop the fish right in.
The fish is already in alot of stress, why stress it out even longer?
The only thing I do is float the bags for a few minutes so the tempertures can stabilize.

But not all of us have great LFS's.

 

[LivingTropicals]

I don't accimlate anything either. Right out of the bag (no floating) into their permanent spot. Usually high up or top of the reef. Fish, inverts and other corals are the same. Never had any problems.