Changing from 10-14K. Do I need to cycle?

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by missionsix, Feb 6, 2008.

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  1. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    I am planning on changing my bulbs out for some 14K (250watt). After the hell I went through not cycling from PC to MH with an amazing GH algae bloom amongst other related problems associated with not cycling the lights correctly. Does anybody have any feedback on this subject?
     
    missionsix, Feb 6, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 6, 2008
    #1

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  2. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2006
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    6,467
    Location:
    Elizabethtown, IN
    I have heard of some people putting light diffuser down (eggcrate) on top of the tank and letting the coral get used to the light then take it off after a couple of weeks. I have my lights on a pulley system so I can just raise them up if needed or lower them closer to the water surface.
     
    Otty, Feb 6, 2008
    Otty, Feb 6, 2008
    #2
  3. Dador

    Dador Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2006
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    364
    Location:
    Dayton, Ohio
    I just changed from 14K to 10K. No issues. Clam loves it!
     
    Dador, Feb 6, 2008
    Dador, Feb 6, 2008
    #3
  4. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2007
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    Location:
    joliet,il
    cycling and acclimation are two different things. acclimation is getting the tank, corals, livestock used to the new lighting. one way to do that is to shade, another is limited time on, and another is distance from water. algae feeds off of NO3, Si and PO4. so ridding of those will help rid of the algae.
     
    reef_guru, Feb 6, 2008
    reef_guru, Feb 6, 2008
    #4