new bulbs

[achillesheel]

just got new mhs (14k hamiltons 400w) and cant remember the burn in time. how long before i can remove the eggcrate over my tank? thanx
-shad

 

[achillesheel]

any help?

 

[smoknreefrs]

about 100hrs

 

[achillesheel]

wow, thats 20 days for me. how do you break your bulbs in? im going to put eggcrate over that side of the tank.

 

[trueblackpercula]

100 hours is about right

 

[kokxy]

I put the egg crate down and then 3-4 layers of screen(like ones used in screen doors--get it from Lowe's, HD) cut to size of crate and then remove a layer every 5-7 days. I get no bleaching or any effects doing it this way. God luck!

 

[evil_monkey]

is this for tanks that have coral in them already or even during the cycle?

I'm new to the metal halides, and have to get a new lamp for the setup I just bought used.

 

[achillesheel]

established tank with corals

thanx guys

 

[jay24k]

eggcrate isn't going to block light. The eggcrate is used to put screen on which blocks the light. If you just have the eggcrate, either go get screen or take it off. That is unless you wish to prevent jumping fish or something like that.

 

[CeeGee]

do you lose color when changing bulbs and have to go through this?

Just wondering as I am using T5's currently.