adaptation period......

[adamjay]

I recently added two 175 MH lamps to my 90g. I have lots of frags that seem to be growing slowly. I also have 4 110W VHO taking care of the blue ( these were on originally) softies in tank are green star polyps.Before I added the MH, the star polyps were growing like crazy. Now they barely open and seemed to have slowed there growth. My coralline algea has also seemed to bleach some. What is the break in period for the change in light, and is this reaction normal? My MH and VHO lights are about 8" from the surface and temp is 78 degrees. All other livestock is fine.

Adam

 

[Anonymous]

The reaction is normal. You've put too much light on them too quickly, and may have "burned" them. Turn off one light, and, if possible, either shield the other or move it up a bit to allow time to acclimate.

See http://www.reefs.org/library for more information, and also http://www.wetwebmedia.com and look for the information on reef lighting. This should help.

 

[leftovers]

better yet leave them both on but for shorter period of time. If you just upgraded your lights you should turn them all on but for short (1hr) time to start then add an hour every few days till you reach your full light cycle.

This does 2 things: 1.) prevents/elminates light burn and bleaching, and 2.) allows your tank to adjust to the increase temp that results from adding HID lights.

Should take about 3 weeks give or take to add 8-12 hrs of MH light cycle to tank. You can increase time faster if you watch the corals and see no ill effects. Monitor the temp and their health and you will have a happy shinny bright tank.

Left

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a good idea to me, too.