replacing HQI light bulbs

[Sea Turtle]

I am replacing my double ended phoenix metal halides tonight. What is the best way to go about doing this so as not to shock the tank? I really do not thave the ability to raise or lower the lights.

 

[Anonymous]

shade cloth works great.

 

[Anonymous]

Reduce the amount of time they are on to half and work back up over a few weeks.

 

[Sea Turtle]

Reduce the amount of time they are on to half and work back up over a few weeks.

Thanks, I think that I will use this method. I do like the idea of mesh cloth, however I do not have any on hand. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[Anonymous]

problem with that solution is it does nothing for intensity, only duration.

 

[leftovers]

problem with that solution is it does nothing for intensity, only duration.

unless these lights are years and years old your corals will quickly adapt and a short 2 -3 hour session of lights is nothing compared to the full sun they would normally get.

you can easily add 1 hr every 2-3 days and be back to normal in 2 weeks tops

ive replaced 2yr old bulbs with no issues....sure your experience may vary but im betting the animals will more than likely respond to the new lights not retract....

 

[Sea Turtle]

I cut the time in half and am going to kick it up 30 minutes each day until I am back to 100%. I have learned my lesson in trying to rush things... :evil: