NEW BULB BREAK IN FOR METAL HALIDE

[fredso2003]

I just installed my new 10000k ushio metal halide bulb.how long should I run it each day so my corals can adjust without freakin them out?
any and all input would be great!

 

[Johnsteph10]

It depends on the lighting you had before...
...with previous MH: no change, it'll take about 100 hours to break in the new bulb. I run my MH from 2PM-10PM so I can enjoy the tank in the evening.
...with low lighting previously: it is best to up the time each day slowly..I've heard anywhere from starting at about an hour and going up 15-30 min. each day/every other day depending on just how large the lighting change is and the type of coral you are acclimating. Watch the coral and see if it continues to open as before/watch for any areas of bleeching or obvious color changes...it may be a sign of stress from too much lighting changes...if so, back off on the photoperiod and advance more slowly..

hope this helps!

John

 

[fredso2003]

Thanks Johnsteph10.I HAVE HAD THE HALIDE FOR 10 months but the whole time I was running a 4000k bulb and I didnt even know it :roll:
This ushio is 10000k thats why Im wondering about the acclimation period,if that makes a big diff.....k-rating???

 

[Anonymous]

it will but not to the point to where you need to start off at 15-30 min a day? actually more than likely they'll be fine...