Light Over-Saturation?

[iVgOnMaD]

Too much light intensity prohibiting or stunting photosynthesis.

I was reading an article on this subject a while back and as I am almost done with my new canopy, I was debating whether a 400w 10,000k SE MH in addition to 4x 36" T5 Actinics on an IceCap 660 would be too much for a 36x24x24 tank.

Thanks for your input,
Ivan

[melev]

Rather than the intensity, which you seem to be considering, two things to give thought to would be how much heat will it add to the tank, and how long should I run my lights. If you only run them 7 hours a day, odds are this won't be a problem. Do the same for 12 hours a day and you may find that your corals aren't as productive growth-wise.

[iVgOnMaD]

Thanks for your help Marc! (finally an answer from a pro).

I am putting an exhaust system that consists of a large computer type fan that will keep my canopy/tank cool and will invest in a chiller if necessary.

My main concern is acclimating my corals to such an intense light as the 400w MH.

What would work better in your opinion?

The screen method or gradually increasing the amount of hrs the coral is exposed to MH?

If increasing the hrs is better what would be a good starting point?

Thanks

[Whoyah]

I have used the screen method before with good results. Start with a layer of egg crate to support it and then 3 layers of screen. Remove one layer a week. You may want to go with 4 layers if you are making a huge jump in light intensity.