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Acclimating new light fixture?


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  1. #1
    Cash - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Warren MI
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    Default Acclimating new light fixture?

    Ok I plan to get my new light fixture within the next 2 weeks. I am replacing a 4 T-5 fixture with a 4-T5's and 2 250Mh fixture. I dont want to shock the corals. Looking for some good tips on how to acclimate in the new light. I will be using the same T5 bulbs I am currently using.
    Thanks

  2. #2
    tazzy695 - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    go down to lowes or hd and get some some what open window screen and put several layers under the mh to dim it down take a layer off a week till you have none left and you are done
    I have been reefing from 08-2007 till 5-2011

    reef tanks are like wifes you have to give them some attention every now and then

  3. #3
    ReeferRob - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Default

    What Tazzy is trying to say is, get some fiber glass screen. Put up probably four layers over the tank, removing one each week. By four weeks everything should be gravy.

    One thing, get some actual MH keepers advice first. I used this method when I changed over from PC to T5 like 5 years ago and worked fine. But not sure if this method is preferred with MH lights and the excessive heat the crank out.
    "We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
    "If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys

  4. #4
    evilc66 - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Default

    This works fine, even with MH. The fiberglass screen doesn't care about the MH heat.

  5. #5
    tazzy695 - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Default

    only difference is you have to keep a little more distance from the mh as I just dropped from mh to t5 alone to save on the power bill

    also is this going to be in an enclosed canopy if so make sure you have fans and dont bolt the reflectors directly to the wood keep at least and inch or two to prevent the wood from burning
    I have been reefing from 08-2007 till 5-2011

    reef tanks are like wifes you have to give them some attention every now and then

  6. #6
    Cash - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    No I dont run a canopy on my tank

  7. #7
    tazzy695 - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    so is the 4x t5 and 2x mh going to be one fixture or 2 t5 fixtures and 2 mh pendants hanging ??

    if so it is a good idea to keep the mh about 6" higher then the t5s
    I have been reefing from 08-2007 till 5-2011

    reef tanks are like wifes you have to give them some attention every now and then

  8. #8
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
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    This fixture gonna be on legs, or hang over the tank?

    If its gonna hang- hang it very high, and lower it little by little, till its at the height you like. Great way to aclimate a new MH light set up.

    The layered screen works well too!

  9. #9
    Cash - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    This will be a all in one fixture. Leg mounted on the tank. So the T5's and Mh will have to be the same height.

  10. #10
    tazzy695 - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Ahh ok just try to shade the halides not the t5s as to show smaller increases of light withe dropping down
    I have been reefing from 08-2007 till 5-2011

    reef tanks are like wifes you have to give them some attention every now and then

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