New MH Bulb = Bleaching. What Now?

[mokusei]

I believe that some of my SPS are expelling zooxanthellae because I made the mistake of not acclimating them to a new MH bulb.

I am planning to reduce the light intensity using screen mesh. Is there anything else I can do for the corals now that the damage is done?

 

[lolgranny]

Reduce your lighting period for the time being.

 

[tamortman]

what bulbs are they and is this a common problem?

 

[Reef Bass]

You could also try raising the lights.

 

[mokusei]

I have a single metal halide bulb fixture. I changed from an old 150W 20k bulb to a new 150W 20k bulb.

This problem occurs when you don't acclimate your corals to a significant change in light intensity. There are a number of ways to do this, including lowering or shading the corals or raising the light fixture. As far as I can tell, it's a pretty common mistake for inexperienced reefers (like me) to make.

My question was not phrased well, but what I am really trying to understand is whether there is some way to treat the symptom of zooxanthellae expulsion.

 

[Faisal1976us]

I have a single metal halide bulb fixture. I changed from an old 150W 20k bulb to a new 150W 20k bulb.

This problem occurs when you don't acclimate your corals to a significant change in light intensity. There are a number of ways to do this, including lowering or shading the corals or raising the light fixture. As far as I can tell, it's a pretty common mistake for inexperienced reefers (like me) to make.

My question was not phrased well, but what I am really trying to understand is whether there is some way to treat the symptom of zooxanthellae expulsion.

Not from the lights ! try to find another reason ,,,

 

[Mr. Right]

You might try to shade some of the effect sps. You also could try some amino acid supplements. I know all to well about bleaching corals with improper light acclimation I found that a “little” overfeeding at times like these can help. Keep zooxanthellae well fed. By overfeeding slightly you will raise you n&p (nutrients) and that might help keep the zooxanthellae happy at a time like this.

 

[mokusei]

Not from the lights ! try to find another reason ,,,

Thanks, but I specifically did not ask for opinions about why this happened. Just out of curiosity, what evidence do you have that it's not from the lights? I have read of many instances of corals bleaching due to increased light, and the difference in PAR between an old bulb and a new bulb is significant.

 

[Dustin1300]

I agree with your diagnosis mokusei. I just recently changed out my ballast and did not realize the lighting difference. I also have a few that are showing signs of bleaching and have shortened my photo period and just time will tell whether things turn around Only the high placed corals in my aquarium were effected. Were your bulbs rather old that you replaced?

 

[p-nut]

Mr. Right is right lol

 

[Photo_John]

Keep zooxanthellae well fed.

The Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic organisms, the light feeds them...when you feed a tank you are feeding the coral polyps.

I think its just your light change assuming you didnt change anything else

 

[mokusei]

I agree with your diagnosis mokusei. I just recently changed out my ballast and did not realize the lighting difference. I also have a few that are showing signs of bleaching and have shortened my photo period and just time will tell whether things turn around Only the high placed corals in my aquarium were effected. Were your bulbs rather old that you replaced?

The bulb I replaced was 6+ months old - not sure exactly how old because it came with the fixture which I bought used.

 

[Dustin1300]

The bulb I replaced was 6+ months old - not sure exactly how old because it came with the fixture which I bought used.

I'm assuming they did not put new bulbs before sold

That being said you probably only had 60-70% of par you have with the new bulb.

 

[saltygeek]

If they still have polyps out they should come back with some TLC. SOme screen will help them out though as you said.