Photo period acclimation

RobG · 10-24-2001, 10:18 AM

I currently am running 4 * 55W PCs. (2 10K and 2 Actinic).

My hood is built and will house 2 * 250 W 10k MHs and 2 * 110W VHO super actinics. I'm going to put in on the tank Friday.

The question is this: Since I won't be able to start the MHs any higher over the tank, how should I acclimate the corals to the new lighting?

Start with 1 hour a day of MH, raising it 30 mins a day to about 12 hours? with the VHO on for about 14 hours total?

Any ideas appreciated.

tendar · 10-24-2001, 01:43 PM

That sounds like a good plan. I would maybe start off at like 2-3 hours though and go up a half an hour every other day.
Just keep an eye on you corals for any bleaching or side affects as you increase the light.
Would also move your corals that are high in the tank lower in the tank if they are really close to the top to start with.

**kevinpo** · 10-24-2001, 05:50 PM

I think you would be OK to start out with 3-4 hours of MH as long as your closest corals are at least 6" below the water surface. Also you didn't mention the distance from the MH bulbs to the water surface. The type of corals you are exposing will also need to be taken into consideration (soft, LPS, SPS). I think 10 hours is probably enough for the maximum.

hope this helps,
Kevin

RobG · 10-24-2001, 06:30 PM

Thanks for the info...

The MHs are 7" above the water line. The closest corals to the water surface are a couple of Xenia Elongata colonies and some Montipora digitata. The tops of these corals are probably only 3-4" below the water surface. I am able to move the M. digitata down in the tank, but most of the Xenia has grown onto a rock and would be difficult to move lower.

**kevinpo** · 10-24-2001, 07:44 PM

Those are both very light tolerant corals and also hardy. Don't be alarmed if the Montipora does a dramatic color change due to the light change. I have 2 colonies that really changed color when I went from 175 to 400 watt bulbs. I think you won't have any trouble with those corals.

Regards,
Kevin

10-24-2001, 10:18 AM	#1
RobG Council Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 288	Photo period acclimation I currently am running 4 * 55W PCs. (2 10K and 2 Actinic). My hood is built and will house 2 * 250 W 10k MHs and 2 * 110W VHO super actinics. I'm going to put in on the tank Friday. The question is this: Since I won't be able to start the MHs any higher over the tank, how should I acclimate the corals to the new lighting? Start with 1 hour a day of MH, raising it 30 mins a day to about 12 hours? with the VHO on for about 14 hours total? Any ideas appreciated. Last edited by RobG; 10-24-2001 at 10:21 AM.

10-24-2001, 05:50 PM	#3
kevinpo Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Spokane Valley WA Posts: 2,434	I think you would be OK to start out with 3-4 hours of MH as long as your closest corals are at least 6" below the water surface. Also you didn't mention the distance from the MH bulbs to the water surface. The type of corals you are exposing will also need to be taken into consideration (soft, LPS, SPS). I think 10 hours is probably enough for the maximum. hope this helps, Kevin __________________ SPSguy On - On

10-24-2001, 07:44 PM	#5
kevinpo Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Spokane Valley WA Posts: 2,434	Those are both very light tolerant corals and also hardy. Don't be alarmed if the Montipora does a dramatic color change due to the light change. I have 2 colonies that really changed color when I went from 175 to 400 watt bulbs. I think you won't have any trouble with those corals. Regards, Kevin __________________ SPSguy On - On

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10-24-2001, 01:43 PM	#2
tendar Governor Join Date: May 2000 Location: tempe,AZ Posts: 1,114	That sounds like a good plan. I would maybe start off at like 2-3 hours though and go up a half an hour every other day. Just keep an eye on you corals for any bleaching or side affects as you increase the light. Would also move your corals that are high in the tank lower in the tank if they are really close to the top to start with.

10-24-2001, 06:30 PM	#4
RobG Council Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 288	Thanks for the info... The MHs are 7" above the water line. The closest corals to the water surface are a couple of Xenia Elongata colonies and some Montipora digitata. The tops of these corals are probably only 3-4" below the water surface. I am able to move the M. digitata down in the tank, but most of the Xenia has grown onto a rock and would be difficult to move lower.

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