SPS and water changes

[MyNemesis]

The tips of some of my SPS are out of the water for about 12 minutes if I do a healthy water change. I leave the T5s on during the water change and have not had any burning. The tips of the corals are probably about eight inches from the bulbs.

[schminksbro]

Keep in mind Becky that acropora tend to be much more tolerant of exposure to air than seritopora (bird's nest). Brief exposure is ok but keep it brief and I agree with Austin's advice about the lights.

[iyachtuxivm]

There is a video of a reef at low tide in I think Fiji or some simular place. There are tons of things mostly acros that are exposed during low tide for hours. The person doing the documentary said the temp was very high and its really windy. So I am sure a few minutes wont hurt. I will see if I can find the video.
Found it

[thefishgirl]

Thanks for all the info guys! It was out of the water maybe 5 minutes... no lights. Nor had the lights been on all day. Hopefully everything will be ok.

[Sir Patrick]

^ Everything will be ok!

[iyachtuxivm]

After I saw that video I have never rushed again during a water change. I have a hollywood stunner that is totally uncovered during W/C and I think it looks more colorful after its been exposed for a bit.

[schminksbro]

While it is true that some corals get exposed to air during low tide, one must remember that it is but a small percentage. The vast majority of corals reefs stay submerged all the time.

After I saw that video I have never rushed again during a water change. I have a hollywood stunner that is totally uncovered during W/C and I think it looks more colorful after its been exposed for a bit.