Replacing year old VHO's and 175 MH's - do I need to reduce

[saf1]

Good afternoon.

Just recieved my replacment bulbs for my VHO's and MH's. My lights are about a year old and I ordered new sets.

My question - should I reduce the photo period so the fish and corals can adjust? Lights are the same, just going from about a year old to new Figured they will be somewhat more bright or more par?

Anyway - thanks. Thought I'd ask. Corals are toadstool and frogspawn. Elegance is in there too along with mix zoo's.

Have a great day.

 

[liquid]

If it were me, I'd start by replacing one light at a time. Replace 1 VHO bulb, wait a week, replace another, wait a week, replace a different one, etc. That way your tank slowly gets acclimated to the change in intensity as opposed to going right away from one intensity to a completely larger one.

Shane

 

[Reef Goalie]

I always reduce the photoperiod when replacing lights, even if by an hour on each end, so as not to shock the tank inhabitants with more or different light. I went to 250's from 175's last year and cut the photoperiod also. After about three weeks and I was back to my original timing for the lights. I think it is just good practice to reduce the photoperiod and reintroduce the tank slowly so as not to shock your tank inhabitants.