Metal Halide

[docdocmurdoc]

Well I have finally made my mind up. I have been throwing the idea around to get a metal halide fixture. I just have a tough time deciding to spend that much money on some lights. But finially I am going to be set. I am having Greg order me some. Should have them on Friday. Can't wait. Can anyone give some pointers on making a smooth transition from PC lights to metal halide. I would really hate to damage my corals.

[DevilBoy]

well this is what i would do, the first week i would run the halides 2hrs a day, the next week run em 3hrs a day, the next week 4hrs a day, the week after that 5hrs, the week after that 6hrs. i dont think i would run the halides more then 6-7 hrs a day....

[lfish]

Keep us posted as so how the transition goes. (& post pics)

Was good seeing you all at the store today.

[schneijt]

If it were me, I'd acclimate the corals using several layers of mesh window screen and removing a layer of screen every day or two until they're exposed to full light. I wouldn't shorten the photoperiod much. However, maybe you could back it off to 7 or 8 hours and then increase it an hour every day or two after the last layer of screen is removed.

Either way, just take it slow. That's a heck of a lot more light your corals will be getting. I switched from 130 watts of PC over my 20 gal to 175 watts MH overnight a while ago. My purple LTA and RBTA didn't seem to have any trouble with it, but I'm sure corals wouldn't do well with a lighting change that dramatic overnight. I'd equate the change from PC to MH to be like standing next to a night light and then getting into a tanning bed. The MH will be exponentially more powerful for your inverts than PC, and you won't regret the cost of switching to MH when you see what it does for your tank.

Just my two cents worth,
Joe S.

p.s. I look forward to getting to know you all in time through the EC Reef Club!

[lfish]

hi schneijt!! Welcome to the club.

We would love to hear about your tank.

[docdocmurdoc]

I plan on taking it slow. I have heard from a few people saying to just start off with a couple of hours, and slowly working my way up. I do like the idea of the widow screens. Still a little nervous about the transition.

[davidsreef]

I haven't personally used the window screen method, but I would do it just as Joe says. I lost a couple small frags and I didn't use the screen. Looking back, I should have done it, the frags were really stressed out, and throwing them under my 175w probably didn't help them out much. Also, put eggcrate on the top of your tank, if you haven't already, that way it will support the screen. If you need eggcrate let me know, I have a little left over from my project.

[schneijt]

Hi lfish. Thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to meeting many of you in the near future.

Shortening the photoperiod doesn't really help them adjust. They're still getting a full blast of light, but just for a shorter period. I'd be more confortable using the screen to gradually let them have more light, plus you don't have to mess with your photoperiod all that much if you don't want to.

-Joe

[docdocmurdoc]

What is the eggcrate for David? I am not quite following that one. Seems like everyone agrees on the screen deal. I am going to have to make up my mind and decide somthing soon. Lights will be in Friday.

[schneijt]

Eggcrate will diffuse the light a little. However, it won't diffuse it that much, because the openings are larger than metal window screen. So, I'd go with screen. However, if you used more layers of eggcrate, you'd get the same effect. Be sure to keep the MH higher off the tank than the PC's. I keep my MH 8" off the water surface. This helps keep heat dissipated and helps keep the high intensity from "overpowering" my tank.

Hope this helps,
Joe

[docdocmurdoc]

Thanks everyone for all the imput.

[docdocmurdoc]

Well I got my lights yesterday. Just started to put them up today. Went and got some eggcrate, and some black screen. Hooked everythig up and it is beautiful. Put the screen up and it seems pretty dark. I had a few layers at the time. I droped it down to one layer, it is still dark. I really like the lights. I hope my coral appreciate these things lol. I will posts some pics in a couple of days. After I see how everything is doing.

[Petunia]

keep us posted on how well everything is doing. and put in some pics so we all can see your beautiful tank again!

[docdocmurdoc]

Well I didn't really filter too much light. I put a few layers of screen down, and had the lights on like that for about 3 days under the normal schedule. After that it has been full power. Most things seem to be adapted well. The anemones really seem to love it. I think a few of my polyps suffered. Also I believe it is a meat coral that doesn't look so hot anymore. Too late to do anything different now. I am very happy with the lights over all though.

[Petunia]

your tank looks totally awesome!! the mh lights have been a smart purchase.