Light acclimation

[Kens Bees]

I’m setting up a new tank in the next couple weeks and might change lights then or shortly after. I’m combining two existing tanks into the new.

The current SPS tank has a single RB Photon V32 on the 40 breeder. The LPS has a dimmable 4/24 watt T5 and a Kessil A360 on a 2’ cube.

The new tank is 4x2x2 and is going to focus more on SPS. The lights I’m considering aren’t controllable, they’re either on or off. They are much higher wattage than I currently have over either tank. Is it okay to start at 3-4 hours per day and add an hour every two weeks or so without stressing out the SPS I have? I don’t want to starve them but I also don’t want to burn them up either.

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

What lights are they? Also, would you know PAR levels, I've always just tried putting them in similar PAR l vels from where they were originally so not to shock them, like if I was buying from somewhere and kept them under 500 I'd put them under 500.

 

[dz6t]

If the light is not dimmable, the issue is the intensity of the light instead of the duration of light periods.

When the light is too strong to cause photo inhibition, it only takes a short time, say hours to cause irreversible damage.

So instead of changing the photo periods from short to long, I will change the hanging height of the light, start with 2+ feet then lower it gradually over a few weeks. A par meter is very helpful.

 

[Kens Bees]

What lights are they? Also, would you know PAR levels, I've always just tried putting them in similar PAR l vels from where they were originally so not to shock them, like if I was buying from somewhere and kept them under 500 I'd put them under 500.

in the SPS tank I’m around 400-450 par at 6” below the surface, dead center in the tank. It’s been a while since I’ve had the meter so I could be misremembering.

I’ve been researching a MH hybrid; 4, 54w T5’s and 2, 250w halides. Hamilton Cebu Sun. I don’t have any experience with halides but I like the hybrid look I get from the kessil combo I’m running. Bulbs and ballasts don’t look like they’re too difficult to get.

Dong, I can hang them high for sure. If I go this route I might build a hood or a visor.

 

[dz6t]

I have a par meter you can borrow, that will make things easier.

 

[dz6t]

Despite I like metal Halides, I absolutely will not use that Hamilton fixture in your link:
1. Poor and extremely outdated design even for metal halide, the output is very poor compared to other reflectors.
2. The t5 is too hot in that fixture to operate at optimal temperature. Operating temperatures is critical for t5, that is why ATI t5 outperforms other brands by controlling temperature.
3. Poor, poor and should I say extremely poor reflectors

 

[dz6t]

I ran one before. It is still sitting at a corner and rusting.
On top of that, it is ugly!

 

[Kens Bees]

So Dong, tell me how you really feel about that light! Pretty passionate response.

 

[dz6t]

That is a very poorly designed fixture and I won’t recommend it.
For a 2x4 feet foot print, two 250w metal halide pendants with the aquaticlife t5 hybrid is a better solution

 

[Kens Bees]

That is a very poorly designed fixture and I won’t recommend it.
For a 2x4 feet foot print, two 250w metal halide pendants with the aquaticlife t5 hybrid is a better solution

The aquatic life fixtures are 50% off, Aquatic life (great )

Hypothetically, where would someone source a pair of 250w halide pendants with ballasts? Asking for a friend.

 

[Duds]

FS - Dry Goods Thread 'Reef aquarium lights and bulbs'

Aug 23, 2025

I have a TON of used lights available.

Some of these are in perfect working condition, some of these need a little work to get going (ballast, new plug, etc.) But all are VERY cheap. Honestly I am open to offers, with the exception of the LumenArcs, lol. Not sure if I want to give those up yet.


ATI
48" 6 x 54w T5 *dimmable

Aquaactinics
72" Constellation 14 x 39w T5
48" Constellation 7 x 54w T5
48" Solar Flare 6 x 54w T5
36" Tx5 5 x 39w T5

Aquatic Life
72" 12 x 39w T5
48" 12 x 54w T5

EnviroGro
48" 4 x 54w T5

Giessemann
72" Aurora LED 4 x 60" T5
72" 3 x 250w hqi
48" Aurora LED 4 x...

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• Forum: New England Marine Ornamentals