input needed on this lighting choice. :)

[drock59]

I have a 75g BB SPS dominated tank and I have been steadily lowering my photoperiod over the last few months due to some serious bleaching. My corals are doing ALOT Better with the lower photoperiod but I do not get to look at my tnak as much.

I have DE HQI , Dual 250's on a Bluewave Ballast. I am currently running Phoenix 14ks and love the color. However, I think they may be too much for my tank right now. Turns out I have a pair of slightly used BLV 20ks sitting in the closet.


So the question is would the BLV's give me less PAR, therefore a longer photoperiod.

Phx- PPFD-88
BLV-PPFD-47

is there anything else to consider here?

 

[Julio]

Instead of lowering yoru photoperiodyou shoudl do the opposite when you get new bulbs, start off with a lower photo period and gradually increases over a period of a few weeks.

 

[drock59]

Turns out I have a pair of slightly used BLV 20ks sitting in the closet.

These are already burned in and ready to go. Why would I cut my photoperiod back with bulbs that are throwing out half the light?

 

[Julio]

Not with old bulbs, but is what you should have done with the new bulbs.

 

[samsfishnchips]

drock59,

many feel you shouldn't start with full photoperiod on a set of different bulb, mainly for intensity, but also when the bulbs different(color) wise,

why take the chance,

start with the same photoperiod and increase until you get to your desire length or period or you detect anything wrong, good luck,

sam

 

[drock59]

Nunez thanks for the clear advise.