PC to MH Upgrade - Acclimation Procedure

[mokujin22]

hey all,

set up an aquamedic 250W MH pendant over my 26 gallon bowfront yesterday. this is an upgrade from the 2x65W PCs that simply weren't cutting the mustard.

i realize that you should acclimate your corals, so i've tried to start slow. i set up the pendant 16" off the top of the tank and set the timer to be on 4 hours a day. i've also move my bubble coral, toadstool, trumpet and any movable zoo's, ricordea and shroom to the bottom of the tank/under ledges. (some zoo's are attached to large rocks and will have to weather the storm, i guess.)

is this too much of a photoperiod to start? how gradually should increase the duration?

thanks a ton,
tony

 

[Len]

Hey Tony,

You are going about it the right way. I'd move the pendant down 1-2" every week or so until it's in its final resting spot (8-12" is ideal for most pendants). I would then increase the photo period 2 hours every week until you've achieved the photo period you want (incidentally, 8 to 12 hours is also good ) This will give your corals all the time they need to acclimate.

Good choice on MH!

 

[mokujin22]

thanks do much, Len!

Tony