Light acclimation

[DJChesnutRabbit]

Hi, I need some advice on acclimating my tank to new lighting.

I'm switching from 96w of T5 to a 250w MH pendant. Obviously I don't want to burn or stress my tank or any of my corals.

My thought was to start the pendant high off the water and gradually lower it over a day or two. Sound like a good idea ?
Any imput would be appreciated.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

I would stretch that out to a couple of weeks to be very very safe. That is a major jump in PAR and wattage. I used about 5 layers of mesh with a glass top on the mesh to prevent my lamps from burning it. I removed a sheet every 4 or 5 days. You could lower your lamps an inch or so per sheet removel. Or, start with the lamps very high off the water and gradually lower it an inch evry 3 or 4 days. If you acclimate too fast, possible burning and bleaching with occur. My advice, go slow and take your time. Good luck.

Mucho Reef

PS, I'm sure there are others who have ways to achieve the same results. By all means, I woiuld listen to them all.

 

[MUCHO REEF]

Anyone light acclimating?

 

[Jarred1]

I am going to have to do this on one of my tanks this Monday. I currently have 2x65w power compact light fixture on my 20 long and am upgrading to a 94w T5HO light. My lights are currently on of 10 hours a day. How much should I cut back on my lighting schedule when I get the new lights?

 

[mfinn]

I would stretch that out to a couple of weeks to be very very safe. That is a major jump in PAR and wattage. I used about 5 layers of mesh with a glass top on the mesh to prevent my lamps from burning it. I removed a sheet every 4 or 5 days. You could lower your lamps an inch or so per sheet removel. Or, start with the lamps very high off the water and gradually lower it an inch evry 3 or 4 days. If you acclimate too fast, possible burning and bleaching with occur. My advice, go slow and take your time. Good luck.

Mucho Reef

PS, I'm sure there are others who have ways to achieve the same results. By all means, I woiuld listen to them all.

I use the screen method myself.
I even do this when I add new bulbs. Not as many layers, but a few.

 

[650-IS350]

Yes you can start your light high, then weekly gradually move it lower a couple inches to the point where you have it to how low you want.

I did the same thing, 250MH w/ 4 T5s thats 4-5" off the waters surface on my tank. If I change T5 bulbs I change them 1 at a time and let the corals get used to it.