Lighting/Tank downgrade?

[yankeebobo]

Hi folks - I don't post often but I constantly rummage through many posts for tons of useful info here.

To my point - My wife would like to downgrade the 58gal tank with the 36" aqualite pro HQI. I have a 29 gallon tank that has been running with sand, LR and a PC with 2x 65W bulbs. All levels in both tanks are ideal since this is not a new setup. I would rather keep the 58 beauty, but the compromise is the 29 gal. It started out as HER hobby, but I love the reef and would love to keep at least part of it.

IF we fully decide (and sadly it's leaning that way) to downgrade, what would be the best way to move some of the corals into the 29 light wise - that is a drop in light intensity and I don't want to shock them too much. I leave

BTW - both tanks are running now, so I'm thinking of doing is gradually moving some coral into the 29. Mainly I'll be moving mushrooms, zoos, frogspawn, hammer - stuff like that. The torch will be too large for the 29 as it extends to the ceiling . Obviously no acros.

Obviously this is a drop in intensity that I expect many to reply with thoughts of it not being very safe. The light currently has the 150W 20K MH and 2 55W actinic - I know they don't compare. But I am working on trying to keep that in another room.

CAN this even be done? Lower it safely to the PC level.

The current 58 Gallon Tank is http://www.reefland.com/myaqlog/public.php?userid=6265

[Reefland]

Don't here of too many downgrades but I guess that's better than getting out all together.

For the corals you mention, I don't think the light change will be too bad. The corals will obviously not appear as colorful and it may take them a bit to fully expand but I don't think you'll see any signifigant difference.

[yankeebobo]

This is good to know. I do have a planted freshwater community tank and the 29 setup. I am going to try to shut THOSE down instead. But it is good to know that most of the corals can simply move.

One of the biggest drawbacks is that I have a flame angel, tomini tang and two clowns - they certainly won't make the 29.

[Reefland]

The clowns would be fine but I think your right in not trying to move the Angel or Tang.

[charlie]

What, a downgrade, that's unamerican!!!!
Seriously tho, I think Scott has got you covered on this one, and I agree with him.

[Reefland]

Glad to report that the tank isn't come down.
http://www.reefland.com/myaqlog/foru...23&userid=6265

[yankeebobo]

nope - here to stay. I even slid it into the Living Room (out of the bedroom). That was part of the issue - space in the BR. But the BR has one of the AC units. So in one day, I saw a jump from 79.5 to 81.5. It seems to have held there so I'm not messin' with it.

Leads to my other worry (before). Reducing to a 29 actually causes more work (temp fluc, salt level due to evap, etc.) And, removing the other tanks, the elec bill reduces (another concern from before).

[yankeebobo]

BTW - yes, I have the stand on 4 of those 'mover sliders' in the corners. Absolutely a savior if you HAVE to gently pull it away from the wall more for some reason - and two people? Moves great.

So, if anyone is putting a tank together, put the sliders on it. Of course, I don't think it would help on anything much larger than say a 75 gal.