Lighting Change

[Liam]

I currently am using PC lighting on my 72 Gallon tank. I have just ordered new lighting ...Dual 175 MH(Ushio 10K) With dual VHO(Actinic). What I am wondering is ..do I have to Introduce the tank to this new lighting slowly or can I just change it. Also what is a good lighting schedule?
Thanks

[Chrismo]

You should probobly start by just turning one halide on for 7hours a day for a while, the increasing the hours, over the next few days, and then after a few weeks if it's all looking cool, start up the other halide and increase the length of time it is on untill you are happy.

The VHO actinics I think you can leave on, but you'll get addicted to the blue.

Chris

[kentracey]

Wow, the way I was told to do it is to put the halides on for three or four hours a day and add about an hour a week to the schedule until you get to the desired amount. When you've acclimated the tank slowly and your corals have fully adjusted over time I'd shoot for running the actinics on first for about an hour, then the halides come on for nine or ten hours and then leave the actinic going for another hour or so. This is not gospel, just the way I was told to do it (it worked for me). Another way to do it is to have the lights up really high and on for for the full duration that you desire and then lowering the lights about an inch every week or so until you reach your desired height. Some reefers recommend that you vary duration, others intensity (or height). Either way I'd build up to it and take it slow. Remember, for some (light dependant) corals lighting is like their food and by changing the lighting you are basically totally changing their "diet". Changing it too quickly can be harmful or even fatal to some. JMHO.

[Daniel Schubert]

I tend to agree, start slowly with 3-4 hours then gradually work your way up. You may even want to lower some corals, especially the ones right under the bulbs, that way they don’t get blasted with intense light they are not used to. Keep an eye out for corals bleaching

[afss]

Agreed with Chris and Dan. I think the better way to do it is to start off with less hours with the full bulb strength. Depending on what the wattage of your current lighting is I might be inclined to start at 3 hours and work from there.

Scott

[Liam]

I have 110w right now + my antinic. Does the antinic count towards total wattage?. My other question is ..should I use 2 VHO antinics or combine one with a 50/50 or something else?
My set up allows for 2 X 175 MH and 2 VHO.

[afss]

Personally.. I would go with 2 actinics and then what ever color spectrum you like for the halides.
I just like the blueish look from actinics.

As far as counting the wattage of the actinics towards the total.. not sure. I think you would, but don't know for sure. Be interesting to find out.. and if the answer is no then why?

Scott