Just switched from LED back to T5

[LoJack]

Hey guys,

I finally hung my ATI Sunpower 8x54 watt fixture over my tank 55"L x 24"W x 26"T

I want advice so that I don't shock my SPS.

LED Photoperiod:

1:00pm - Sunrise begins (1 hour increased intensity from 0% up to 70%)

9:00pm - Sunset begins (1 hour decreased until lights out)

How should I run the sunpower in the beginning to prevent shock. Its up about 12" off the water right now, thats as high as I can get it, since its hanging in a canopy.

I'll gradually lower it an inch at a time over the next couple weeks to prevent shock. I'm also only running 6 of the bulbs in an attempt to slowly wean the corals to a new light.

I'm very interested in recommendations and insight ... as this is the first lighting switch I've made.

Thanks for any help!

 

[reefinder]

Hang high 24" or so and run for 2 hours for first 4 days than 3 hours for the next three days and than 4 hours for 5 days lower the unit to 18" on the 12 th day and run for 4 hours than gradually adjust as every couple of days

 

[LoJack]

I can't hang at 24". Like I said, I'm inside a canopy, the 12" is the highest I can get right now.

 

[LoJack]

And do you think that the par output is that much greater on the T-5's that I'd need such a drastic acclimation.

I'm not sure how the 6 54watt bulbs compares to the 72 3watt LED's I was running in terms of par output as opposed to just wattage.

 

[jimmy frag]

Hang high 24" or so and run for 2 hours for first 4 days than 3 hours for the next three days and than 4 hours for 5 days lower the unit to 18" on the 12 th day and run for 4 hours than gradually adjust as every couple of days

where did you come up with this formula ?

 

[PL-Reef]

You can use a few layers of window screen as a shade from the new lights, taking a layer off every few days.

 

[LoJack]

You can use a few layers of window screen as a shade from the new lights, taking a layer off every few days.

I used to use this technique for acclimating new corals to my tank when I ran halides.

I didn't think I would need to go that drastic. Its not like I'm jumping from 150 hqi to 400 watt mogul.

I figured the par output would be pretty close on the two lights I was using.

I figured I would just shorten the photo period by a few hours and gradually work my way up. Then once I'm back to my regular 8 hour photo period, I could start lowering the fixture by a few inches until I reach the 4" thats recommended.

 

[reefinder]

That's what I did when I switched from a similar setup, and it worked beautifully

 

[jimmy frag]

That's what I did when I switched from a similar setup, and it worked beautifully

you made it sound like it was a science, so you just made that up ?

 

[dowtish]

I would just keep it as high as you have it and never move it down. I know folks with ATI fixtures they say they will fry corals if they put it any lower than 12" from the water surface. Just acclimate by reducing the photoperiod and slowly work it up.

 

[jimmy frag]

can you not just add the lamps slowly over a week or so. ?

 

[cugly]

Just curious to why your switching back..and what kind of led did you have. .