Lighting Question

BizMike · 10/18/2010, 07:54 AM

I am in the process of moving from a 55 gallon tank with 4x54W T5 lighting (on 9 hours a day) to a 120 gallon tank with 2x250W MH lighting. I'll be moving LPS, SPS, an RBTA, etc.

How long should the MHs be on in the new tank?

Chris27 · 10/18/2010, 08:11 AM

Generally speaking, 6-10 hours, but most go with 8. That could be a pretty large lighting jump for your critters, so make sure to acclimate them to the new lighting. You can do that by raising the lights, placing some screen over the tank, or placing everything in the sand bed and slowly move them up. Good Luck, enjoy the shimmer!

chimmike · 10/18/2010, 08:29 AM

I'd start the MH's at 3 hrs due to the intensity and slowly move up, but IMO 9hrs is too long for the MH's to be on once acclimated. Not only that but your power consumption is going to significantly increase!

IslandCrow · 10/18/2010, 12:01 PM

You'd be surprised. Depending on the T5s you're using, it may actually be a decrease in light. That said, unless you have a way to check, I'd go the conservative route and slowly acclimate the corals to the new light. Personally, I like using window screen like Chris27 mentioned.

10/18/2010, 07:54 AM	#1
BizMike Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dumfries, VA Posts: 46	Lighting Question I am in the process of moving from a 55 gallon tank with 4x54W T5 lighting (on 9 hours a day) to a 120 gallon tank with 2x250W MH lighting. I'll be moving LPS, SPS, an RBTA, etc. How long should the MHs be on in the new tank?

10/18/2010, 08:29 AM	#3
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	I'd start the MH's at 3 hrs due to the intensity and slowly move up, but IMO 9hrs is too long for the MH's to be on once acclimated. Not only that but your power consumption is going to significantly increase! __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

10/18/2010, 12:01 PM	#4
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	You'd be surprised. Depending on the T5s you're using, it may actually be a decrease in light. That said, unless you have a way to check, I'd go the conservative route and slowly acclimate the corals to the new light. Personally, I like using window screen like Chris27 mentioned. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

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10/18/2010, 08:11 AM	#2
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Generally speaking, 6-10 hours, but most go with 8. That could be a pretty large lighting jump for your critters, so make sure to acclimate them to the new lighting. You can do that by raising the lights, placing some screen over the tank, or placing everything in the sand bed and slowly move them up. Good Luck, enjoy the shimmer!