Will changing from 15k to 10k metal halides affect corals?

pd3222 · 03/21/2006, 12:06 AM

I have 15k metal halides now. If i change to 10k, will my corals be affected. I have a mixed tank of lps and sps corals. Im sure the answer is yes but im not sure if it will be detrimental. Thankyou.

reefin'aggie · 03/21/2006, 12:15 AM

Definately. Depending on the bulb choice the measured PAR could at least double if not triple depending on your setup. Make sure to acclimate the tank to the new light slowly over an extended period of time. Many like to use layers of glass or acrylic over the tank and gradually remove layers over the course of a week or two. Or, if it is possible, raise the fixture 12" higher and slowly bring it back down. The spectrum of light will be more broad also and the corals will have to acclimate to the more "daylight" spectrum.

You could and probably will witness some bleaching if they are not acclimated properly.

If all survives you should see increased growth speed, different growth patterns, and possibly new colormorphs.

Jacob

h20cooled · 03/21/2006, 09:29 AM

Whats even easier to acclimate the tank is to go to Home Depot or something like that and buy a window screen repair kit, then cut the screen to fit the top of your tank and add a couple of layers of it. Then remove one every couple of days, I've done that with every bulb change and lighting changed and never lost one coral for the change...

tygger · 03/21/2006, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by h20cooled
Whats even easier to acclimate the tank is to go to Home Depot or something like that and buy a window screen repair kit, then cut the screen to fit the top of your tank and add a couple of layers of it. Then remove one every couple of days, I've done that with every bulb change and lighting changed and never lost one coral for the change...

That's a great idea. THx for the tip.

Newreeflady · 03/21/2006, 04:41 PM

Why are you switching? Don't like the look, or slow growth? Just curious.

-A

pd3222 · 03/22/2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newreeflady
Why are you switching? Don't like the look, or slow growth? Just curious.

-A

Really for purely aestheic reasons. I have two actinic 110w vho's in addition to the 15k metal halides. The look is a bit too blue. I may try the window screen repair kit method described in one of the replies above. Im not willing to risk my corals though so i can also live with it if i have too.

pd3222 · 03/22/2006, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reefin'aggie
Definately. Depending on the bulb choice the measured PAR could at least double if not triple depending on your setup. Make sure to acclimate the tank to the new light slowly over an extended period of time. Many like to use layers of glass or acrylic over the tank and gradually remove layers over the course of a week or two. Or, if it is possible, raise the fixture 12" higher and slowly bring it back down. The spectrum of light will be more broad also and the corals will have to acclimate to the more "daylight" spectrum.

You could and probably will witness some bleaching if they are not acclimated properly.

If all survives you should see increased growth speed, different growth patterns, and possibly new colormorphs.

Jacob

Thankyou very much for the advice. I will definately acclimate the corals as you advise.

Zoom · 03/22/2006, 02:25 PM

I switch from 14K Hamis to 10k xm and burn all the tips of my SPS even so i cut back me L.P in half take the lights a little higher up or use a perforated window screen.

TroyPierce · 03/22/2006, 02:55 PM

I used to use 10K Hamilton bulbs and about a year ago changed to their 14K. It may coincidence but it sees that I've had less algae with the 14K's.

Is there really anything to this?

03/21/2006, 12:06 AM	#1
pd3222 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ofallon , Missouri Posts: 4	Will changing from 15k to 10k metal halides affect corals? I have 15k metal halides now. If i change to 10k, will my corals be affected. I have a mixed tank of lps and sps corals. Im sure the answer is yes but im not sure if it will be detrimental. Thankyou.

03/21/2006, 12:15 AM	#2
reefin'aggie Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Texas. Posts: 171	Definately. Depending on the bulb choice the measured PAR could at least double if not triple depending on your setup. Make sure to acclimate the tank to the new light slowly over an extended period of time. Many like to use layers of glass or acrylic over the tank and gradually remove layers over the course of a week or two. Or, if it is possible, raise the fixture 12" higher and slowly bring it back down. The spectrum of light will be more broad also and the corals will have to acclimate to the more "daylight" spectrum. You could and probably will witness some bleaching if they are not acclimated properly. If all survives you should see increased growth speed, different growth patterns, and possibly new colormorphs. Jacob __________________ Been reefin' for a lotta years. Current Tank Info: Only tank action I get is helping my friend build his 240!

03/21/2006, 04:41 PM	#5
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	Why are you switching? Don't like the look, or slow growth? Just curious. -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

03/22/2006, 02:55 PM	#9
TroyPierce Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 759	I used to use 10K Hamilton bulbs and about a year ago changed to their 14K. It may coincidence but it sees that I've had less algae with the 14K's. Is there really anything to this? __________________ "Everythings better, down where it's wetter" ><((((º> ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef, 2x175W MH and 2x40W actinic

03/21/2006, 09:29 AM	#3
h20cooled Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Milwaukie, OR Posts: 1,016	Whats even easier to acclimate the tank is to go to Home Depot or something like that and buy a window screen repair kit, then cut the screen to fit the top of your tank and add a couple of layers of it. Then remove one every couple of days, I've done that with every bulb change and lighting changed and never lost one coral for the change...

03/22/2006, 02:25 PM	#8
Zoom Premium Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: S.N.J Posts: 5,706	I switch from 14K Hamis to 10k xm and burn all the tips of my SPS even so i cut back me L.P in half take the lights a little higher up or use a perforated window screen.