switching from 14k to 20k

[jminick2]

so a few weeks ago I switched from radions to MH, I bought the lights used off here. HQI double ended and icecap ballasts. It came with several types of lights. The 14k phoenix were over a year old I started with those in hopes since they were old it might be "easier" on the corals after the switch. It also came with new XM 20k bulbs that I want to try out now. (since the 14ks need replaced anyways)

My question is there any precaution In switching spectrums ? Or for that matter from an older bulb to a new one? Should I acclimate again? Thanks.

 

[Tweaked]

Switch away. I would just monitor the corals and adjust height and or your schedule as needed.

 

[Bpb]

Never a bad idea to toss some window screen on there, raise the reflectors higher if you can, and/or reduce the photoperiod. Spectrum shock can happen no matter what spectrum you switch from, even if going from a higher par to a lower par bulb (which you're doing). Being fresh, the XM 20k will pump out alot more blue photons than the phoenix was, so at least SOME acclimation may be needed. How do you like the look compared between the two?

 

[jdraider75]

I switched from Phoenix 14k to Ushio 10k. I just raised my fixture a couple inches. All is well.

 

[jminick2]

Never a bad idea to toss some window screen on there, raise the reflectors higher if you can, and/or reduce the photoperiod. Spectrum shock can happen no matter what spectrum you switch from, even if going from a higher par to a lower par bulb (which you're doing). Being fresh, the XM 20k will pump out alot more blue photons than the phoenix was, so at least SOME acclimation may be needed. How do you like the look compared between the two?

I actually like the 20k better.

 

[jminick2]

20k

 

[jminick2]

14k

 

[Bpb]

You know, I could go either way on this one. I'm one of the wierdos that actually likes the look of a 10K tank though lol. They both look solid and I dont think you'll be able to go wrong either way here. You can certainly rule out lighting as an issue if one happens to arise with the tank, besides expired bulbs that is. I'm running 15 month old Radiums though, and aside from them being a bit dim/blue and acro growth being on the slow side, No complaints here. I can see that purple stylo and those birdnests completely hiding that large slab rock they're on within the next 6 months easily.

 

[jminick2]

yeah.....they have both grown a lot since I got them. might require some moves to be made. my GSP doesnt really do very good, as a matter fact is nearly gone compared to what it use to be ???? don't really get that. hopefully I can move one of those over there.

 

[Bpb]

my GSP doesnt really do very good, as a matter fact is nearly gone compared to what it use to be ????

Some would consider that a good thing lol. Before I was able to remove all of my xenia, and GSP, I was wishing it would die on its own. No I am wishing that on the yellow polyps, and purchased some acan echinata specifically for how aggressive they are in hopes that if placed near the yellow polyps, it will eat them.

 

[jminick2]

haha I know still makes me scratch my head though.