How to acclimate corals to new light set-up

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by YellowBelly, Dec 16, 2007.

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  1. YellowBelly

    YellowBelly Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I am going to be upgrading my lighting set-up from two 6"x2.5" MH reflectors to two 15" Lumen Bright reflectors. I may upgrade my PC's to T-5's as well. I'm estimating the PAR values to double maybe even triple my current readings. How should I go about acclimating my corals to the new light set-up? Start out with the lights high above the tank, decrease the amount of time the lights are on, or are there other options?
     
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  3. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    If you are not able to lower the corals to the bottom then raising the light would be a good idea.
     
  4. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    Like otty said lower the corals. If you can't raise the lights up.
     
  5. Reefdiver72

    Reefdiver72 Feather Duster

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    you could get some screen like for screen doors and put over tank like 3 pieces and take one layer off each week.
     
  6. david7700

    david7700 Flamingo Tongue

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    You could always try the new setup and see how it works. My extremely bright light didn't do too much damage before everything became acclimated... when you see the corals turning white--then you may want to do some of the above tips : )
    It took about 2 weeks for the coral to get the normal color back, I heard it may take months if your corals are very sensitive.
     
  7. Reefdiver72

    Reefdiver72 Feather Duster

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    are colors arent the normal colors anyways the lights we use can change the colors better or worse with anything they should brighten up a little. I just put some screen for a couple days to help then adjust the worst change I have gotten was going from regular reflectors to lumenarchs and now everything is so much better and growing faster but you need sunglasses to look in the tanks very long.;D;)