its official, i converted

[xdusty6920]

well the deed is done. after posting many clam threads and much debate ive decided enough is enough. my crocea will be living under the bright lights of a 2x250w metal halide 10k fixture. they will get here first thing thursday morning. that just leaves one thing. how do i acclimate my tank to the halides

 

[ExoticWonders]

start slow. a couple of hours a day with increasing time day by day.

Mario

 

[mbbuna]

there are a few ways.
one like exotis said,or raise the light and slowly move it dow over say 4 to 6 weeks, or shade the tank with eagcrate or frosted glass giving more light over time. all must be done slowly

 

[llamart]

All depends on your tank size and lights that you currently have. When I upgraded from 1 150w to 2 250w MH I started it a 6 hours and increased it 15 minutes a day. I did have to slow it down because a bta started to bleach.

Start it off low. Wait to increase it a couple of days to make sure nothing is getting fried and then slowly increase it by fifteen minutes a day or every 3 days. MH are strong and it will be a big difference if your changing from PC or T5's.

Good Luck

 

[xdusty6920]

the starting with the lights high and lowering them slowly over a 4-6 week period seems like the best option for me. seeing as i have a erratic? schedule i cant see a perfect down to the 15 minute mark on off cycle working with my lifstyle. so my question is i have the 2x250 mh over a 55g, how high off the aquarium should i start out and how high should it end up permenently?

 

[mbbuna]

it depends on how high u can hang them. i would start about 24" and then move them down a 1" @ a time. and if u see a bad reaction stop and wait, if it continuse raise it an inch. i'd stop about 8" or 10". but u dont have to put them that low if u dont want.

 

[Peabody]

Congrats on a smart decision....your animals will thank you!