Halide Cycle

[Manicosi]

I have a 75 gallon reef take that I just upgraded that lighting from 260 w PC to two 250 Halide 10k. I was wondering what is the best way to cycle the new lights so i dont shock all the corals amd fish and how long should I keep up this special cycle? Thank you for your comments.

[Doug]

How long were you running the PC's?

You might want to start on the low side and then work your way up in time. You are almost doubling your light output but the corals directly under the MH will get the most exposure. With that said, I would maybe half your current light cycle time based on not knowing what you are keeping as far as corals go.

[chrismhaase]

you can put some sort of light diffuser over your tank(this can be glass or you could even use window screen) this will block some light, while allowing enough light to get to your critters. I have used the screen method before and started with a low/lesser light cycle like Doug has suggested. I would start with less time, and then increase it over one to two weeks.

[capn_hylinur]

watch the water temp also--and you may need to move some corals to the bottom that don't like strong light.

[USC-fan]

window screen works the best. Use a couple of layers and remove 1 each week.

[Rhodesholar]

I also recommend the window screen. Works great. I bought enough for several layers and it actually worked to well, hardly any light got to the tank. I think I only used like 4 layers in the end and removed one layer every week.

[Manicosi]

Thanks for all the replys. I think im going to try the window screen method thanks again.