UPGRADE PCs to MH, HOW TO ACCLIMATE CORALS???

b0bby1 · 07/22/2007, 03:55 PM

hey guys, just upgraded from 80 watts of PC to 150 watts MH on my 20H gallon tank. my question is how should i go about acclimating my corals which are mainly zoas, acans, and rics. i dont really want to be switching 4hrs of PC 2 hrs of MH and then another 4 of PC. is there a way to acclimate without doing that?

gabegmonkey · 07/22/2007, 05:15 PM

if you have a PAR meter you could check what reading you get with the PCs and then set the MHs higher and higher until you get the same reading... and then adjust the lights lower and lower... should work... might be and easier way though...

Best of luck

McCrary · 07/22/2007, 05:16 PM

Place multiple layers of screen over the top of the tank to limit the amount of light that is getting into the tank. Every few days take of a layer of screen so more light is passing through into the tank. This should allow the coral to adjust to the new light intensity.

b0bby1 · 07/22/2007, 08:49 PM

sounds like a good idea i will do both raise it as high as i can and do multiple screens at a time. but a few questions, how many screens? and where can i get them?

McCrary · 07/22/2007, 09:21 PM

If you are going to be using screens to keep some of the light out it shouldn't be necessary to raise the light. You can get screen material at most hardware stores (Lowes and Home Depot come to mind).

b0bby1 · 07/22/2007, 09:24 PM

so it should kind of be the same kind of metal screen as one that goes over your windows to keep the bugs out? how many sheets should i use? (prolly pick up a big sheet of it im guessing)

talon4x4 · 07/22/2007, 09:27 PM

You should be able to get a roll of it and cut your own. You could probably get a 1"x1"x?" piece of wood and make a couple frames. Staple the screen on both sides and then remove as necessary.

BTW: I wouldn't go with metal screen, don't even know if they make metal screen anymore. I would go with vinyl, no worries of rust.

MTB · 07/22/2007, 09:31 PM

Use nylon screen. Metal will rust. Same stuff as window screen. Building a frame will make it easier to use.

lReef_lKeeper · 07/22/2007, 09:50 PM

i used 3 layers and removed one every week for 3 weeks. all corals adjusted and i lost nothing using this method.

b0bby1 · 07/23/2007, 07:25 AM

ok guys thanks a bunch, i will be using 3 nylon sheets. i dont think im going to make a frame for them cus im just to lazy.

b0bby1 · 07/23/2007, 11:42 AM

should i move all my corals to the bottom of the tank.

lReef_lKeeper · 07/23/2007, 04:45 PM

i did not move any of mine. of course it made my softies a little angry, but everything recovered with not bad affects.

07/22/2007, 03:55 PM	#1
b0bby1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 847	UPGRADE PCs to MH, HOW TO ACCLIMATE CORALS??? hey guys, just upgraded from 80 watts of PC to 150 watts MH on my 20H gallon tank. my question is how should i go about acclimating my corals which are mainly zoas, acans, and rics. i dont really want to be switching 4hrs of PC 2 hrs of MH and then another 4 of PC. is there a way to acclimate without doing that?

07/22/2007, 05:16 PM	#3
McCrary Can't Stop Time Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,079	Place multiple layers of screen over the top of the tank to limit the amount of light that is getting into the tank. Every few days take of a layer of screen so more light is passing through into the tank. This should allow the coral to adjust to the new light intensity. __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens

07/22/2007, 09:21 PM	#5
McCrary Can't Stop Time Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,079	If you are going to be using screens to keep some of the light out it shouldn't be necessary to raise the light. You can get screen material at most hardware stores (Lowes and Home Depot come to mind). __________________ Matt Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Titus Maccius Plautus (254 BC - 184 BC), Rudens

07/22/2007, 09:31 PM	#8
MTB Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illannoy Posts: 1,365	Use nylon screen. Metal will rust. Same stuff as window screen. Building a frame will make it easier to use. __________________ Got Frags? Current Tank Info: 40 breeder. Kessil lights. Reef octopus skimmer. Vortec mp40 x2.

07/22/2007, 09:50 PM	#9
lReef_lKeeper lReef lKeeper Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ky Posts: 266	i used 3 layers and removed one every week for 3 weeks. all corals adjusted and i lost nothing using this method. __________________ _________________ Bobby 40 Breeder, 20 long sump, Bubble Magus Curve 5, EcoTech Radion XR30w and XR15w G3 Pro, ReefKeeper Lite

07/22/2007, 05:15 PM	#2
gabegmonkey Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 413	if you have a PAR meter you could check what reading you get with the PCs and then set the MHs higher and higher until you get the same reading... and then adjust the lights lower and lower... should work... might be and easier way though... Best of luck

07/22/2007, 08:49 PM	#4
b0bby1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 847	sounds like a good idea i will do both raise it as high as i can and do multiple screens at a time. but a few questions, how many screens? and where can i get them?

07/22/2007, 09:24 PM	#6
b0bby1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 847	so it should kind of be the same kind of metal screen as one that goes over your windows to keep the bugs out? how many sheets should i use? (prolly pick up a big sheet of it im guessing)

07/22/2007, 09:27 PM	#7
talon4x4 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,559	You should be able to get a roll of it and cut your own. You could probably get a 1"x1"x?" piece of wood and make a couple frames. Staple the screen on both sides and then remove as necessary. BTW: I wouldn't go with metal screen, don't even know if they make metal screen anymore. I would go with vinyl, no worries of rust.

07/23/2007, 07:25 AM	#10
b0bby1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 847	ok guys thanks a bunch, i will be using 3 nylon sheets. i dont think im going to make a frame for them cus im just to lazy.

07/23/2007, 11:42 AM	#11
b0bby1 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 847	should i move all my corals to the bottom of the tank.

07/23/2007, 04:45 PM	#12
lReef_lKeeper lReef lKeeper Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ky Posts: 266	i did not move any of mine. of course it made my softies a little angry, but everything recovered with not bad affects. __________________ _________________ Bobby 40 Breeder, 20 long sump, Bubble Magus Curve 5, EcoTech Radion XR30w and XR15w G3 Pro, ReefKeeper Lite