Lighting ?

[dg13]

I was just reading another thread on lighting and have a question. I am upgrading from 2 55w 50/50 PC's to a 250w MH pendant. My tank is 31" deep which is why I opted for the 250w over 150w. I am going to be changing the lighting this weekend and was planning on moving the zoas to the bottom of the tank while acclimating. My question is if I don't have screening and want to acclimate by leaving the light on for a shorter period of time and then gradually increasing the time - where should I start? An hour a day, 2 hours a day? What is the best way to increase it - increase by an hour a day, an hour a week?

Thanks.

 

[Polyptician]

If they are on the bottom of a 31 inch deep tank. You probably could have a normal photo period the first day.

 

[dg13]

Thanks.

 

[MarvinsReef]

I would still use atleast 2 screens for sure.. I've used this method couple of times now with atleast 3 screen plus eggcrate with minimal casualties...

from what I've heard.. slowly increasing your photoperiod is not the best way to acclimate corals into new lighting.. let's say you start with 2 hours then gradually increase it, you're actually just burning your corals 2 hours then whatever you increase the photoperiod... it's really not helping them acclimate because they're still exposed to the higher intensity lighting.. I dunno if that make sense but I've never been brave enough to try acclimating without screens..

whichever one you decide to use, please keep us posted what worked for you so you can enlighten some of us..

Marvin