How to change over PC's to Halides???

[Phatty42081]

Hey guys does anyone have any adivice when it come to upgrading lighting and changing the light cycle and all that jazz. i currently have 2x96 watt power compacts the atincs are on from 9am-11pm and the 10k is on from 11am-9pm. some time this week my new current usa outer orbit 2x1500 watt halides and 4x39 watt atincs should be arriving i plan on using the hangging kit, how far should i start them above the tank should i shorten the lighting cycle?? please let me know. thanks.

[Phatty42081]

sorry that should be 2x150 watt halides not 1500 thanks again

[bpulmano]

Hey.. I'm browsing for answers to simliar questions.. Changing from PCs to Halides.. Except I can't raise or lower them due to mounting..

So shorter cycle? Do I need to immediately reaarange corals? Put everything at the bottom and slowly work it's way back up?

Little help please?

[stanlalee]

I went from two 96 watt pc to two 175w halides and didn't do a thing as far as acclimation changes. You are SUPPOSE to reduce the lighting schedule when you upgrade to intense lighting and slowly bring it up to where you want it (ex starting out running the halides 2hr a day then 3hrs then 4hrs ect). I've heard of people putting some sort of screening to block the intense light but for me the corals didn't care, not even mushrooms known for low light preference.

[Phatty42081]

so how far off the surface of the water should i keep the lights 4-5 inches or more??? also since the halides will be on a short time i can lewave the t5s on for there normal cycle right.

[TrojanScott]

Halides should be about 8" over your water, from what I understand. Depending on what type you're using. If it's SE, you don't want water splashing up on 'em, they could crack. 4" seems close.
I went from PC's to Halides, and didn't do anything either. Just fired 'em up, and everything adjusted just fine. However, if you're concerned, I'd say the screen method would be better than the shorter photoperiod. You can buy black screening at HD on rolls, and just cut out a few strips and put over your tank. Pull back a strip or two every few days to acclimate the corals. I meant to do this, but didn't. Everything went fine.

[skaterzero22]

going by meleev's reef. and other threads ive read, MH are recommended at 9" but again i may be wrong

[J. Montgomery]

Hanging metal halide lights 8-10" off the water is pretty standard. To acclimate the corals, use a few (like three) layers of window screening. Remove one layer every few days.