Proper acclimation to new lighting

[MrSpiffy]

I'm thinking of upgrading my current tank's lights from NO fluorescents to PC's. The change would be somewhat drastic, going from 30W to 130W. The fixture I'm considering is the Current USA Orbit 24" 2x65W PC fixture for my 20-gallon FOWLR tank. (a future reef tank, hopefully)

What kind of acclimation procedure would be recommended for this upgrade? I know you can freak out corals and other creatures by adding too much light right away. How do fish react?

I was considering having only 1 bulb on for say 3 hours the first day, raising that by a half hour everyday until I'm at the full 10-11 hours per day, then adding the second bulb in to create some sort of day/night cycle. (i.e. moon lights, 1 bulb, 2 bulbs, then 1 bulb, back to moon lights)

My other concern is what this may do to my tank temperature. Now, as they don't sit directly above the water, there's some air movement that would help keep the heat transfer to a minimum. But is this going to force me to get a micro chiller? If so, I'd probably still get the lighting and just run one bulb throughout the day to keep the temp down until I could afford one, like the CoolWorks Ice Probe.

So... any thoughts on this? Would the temp be fine? Would the fish be fine? How would you guys/ladies go about doing this? Thanks!

 

[MrSpiffy]

Anyone...? Anyone...?? Bueller...?

 

[TrojanScott]

As far as acclimating the light, the screen process seems to be popular. Use black screening you'd find on patio doors, HD or Lowes sells it in rolls. Put some egg crate on top of the tank, then put screening on top. Use a few sheets, then take one off every other day. Should work fine.

As for heat issues... the PC's are pretty hot bulbs. Not sure how much MORE hotter than your current set up, but I run PC's now, and my tank is fairly stable. When it gets to hot, I run a fan under the stand, and it cools it off a couple degrees.

 

[MrSpiffy]

I've read about using egg crate on the top of the tank. I can't see how it lets sufficient light through when you put the light through the egg crate and screens. Are different thicknesses of egg crate available? If so, I assume I use a thinner piece of it. And even with egg crate I should still use screens? Seems to be overkill. I could be wrong... *shrugs*

 

[TrojanScott]

Screen is relatively inexpensive, I'd give it a shot. You can judge the light filtering in when you set it up. You an try shorter photoperiods.

To be honest, I'm not sure a PC upgrade is going to be a HUGE difference in heat or light to your corals. I'd bet they do fine without a break in period, but better safe than sorry.

 

[MrSpiffy]

As of right now all I have are fish. So corals aren't an issue, here. I'm more concerned with freaking out my fish and raising the tank temperature. Although, the Orbit comes with legs, I believe, which would help reduce the temperature change.

 

[TrojanScott]

You won't freak the fish out, not in my experience, with more light.

As for tank temperature, using screens won't do anything, nor will egg crate. Temp is going to be what it will be when you put the new lights in. See what it goes up to, just be prepared to cool it off somehow, maybe with a few fans until you can figure out ways to cool it off long term. (chiller maybe)

 

[MrSpiffy]

Very cool. Thanks for the help!

 

[Blown 346]

Fish dont care whether you have light or darkness.
Post pics when you get the new light setup.