Changing from 10k to 20k

[shaywood]

I started my reef tank 2 years ago with 14k Hamilton bulbs. After a year I thought I would try 10k XMs, but I don't like the look. Can I change from 10k to 20k without affecting the corals and tank?

[charlie]

I do believe you will still have to acclimate your critters. Either cut back on your photoperiod, a couple hours on each side, or get some window screening and take a layer off every week. I would think you would want to acclimate for 2-3 weeks at the least just to make sure. HTH

[salt-rookie]

Since your PAR will be going DOWN....you will be OK without acclimating to the new light...it is lower intensity.

[charlie]

Since your PAR will be going DOWN....you will be OK without acclimating to the new light...it is lower intensity.

Wouldn't that depend on how old his existing bulbs are. If his bulbs are old, he should acclimate IMO.

[shaywood]

Thanks for the input. I look forward to more!

[salt-rookie]

Check the difference in PAR it is 127 with the 250 XM 10K SE on a M58 ballast and 72 with a 20K. The PAR could not degrade that much in an entire year. The specturm and color may shift a bit. Check yourself.

Select from Performance Data

[charlie]

I am going to point you towards post #5 in this thread:

To Whom It May Concern...


I don't think you can be to careful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shaywood]

Holy cow, guess I'd better be carefull!

[salt-rookie]

If you were going from 20K to 10K, I could not agree more...going the other way is not a problem.