New Bulbs

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008.

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  1. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I bought new 175w 10k bulbs as my others weren't doing the job they were suppose to do ie make my corals happy! I figured they were past their prime. I got new bulbs in but my question is how do I acclamate bulbs to a tank. I know to start off slow. I have them on only 3 hours each day but how long do I do that? When I increase the time how long should I wait and can I increase in hour incraments or should I stick to half hour or even 15 mins? CAn I do the 3 hours the first 2 days then increase or wait longer? Any help please!
     
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    #1

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  2. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    Are these just replacements for your current MHs or have you converted to MH?
     
    PharmrJohn, Oct 29, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Oct 29, 2008
    #2
  3. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    These are just replacements. My old ones were about 1 year old and my corals were all starting to turn brown and not happy so I needed new bulbs.
     
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    #3
  4. {Nano}Reefer

    {Nano}Reefer Dragon Wrasse

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    lol ive never heard of anyone light acclimating the same lights, you should be fine running your normal photoperiod :)
     
    {Nano}Reefer, Oct 29, 2008
    {Nano}Reefer, Oct 29, 2008
    #4
  5. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    My LFS told me I should do it because my bulbs were so old. I guess I could do a quick acclamation then!
     
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    #5
  6. {Nano}Reefer

    {Nano}Reefer Dragon Wrasse

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    depending on how old that might make sence... but ive never done it and i run a 150w HQI over my 10 gallon 8)
     
    {Nano}Reefer, Oct 29, 2008
    {Nano}Reefer, Oct 29, 2008
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  7. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I have had my tank going since begining of June and bought the tank used. It came with everything to get me started and the bulbs were also part of it. The guy I bought it from said he used the bulbs "a short time". So I have used them since set up but noticed my corals just seemed to be browning and losing color. They still grow but just aren't as colorful. So that is why I bought new bulbs. I guess I will still aclimate but is there a better way to do it?
     
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    #7
  8. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    When I didn't acclimate my new lighting, I ran into major problems. I was up-grading from t5 to mh. Went through major algae blooms for a while. Come to find out you are supposed to acclimate. Real shortly after my algae bloom I started to look into it. I did the exact same thing cm. 3 hours and 15 mins per day. Towards the end I got lazy/antsy and just went for the normal lighting period. I think I went for about 3-4 weeks.
     
    missionsix, Oct 29, 2008
    missionsix, Oct 29, 2008
    #8
  9. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Thanks Mission! I will do that then. I was told that I don't have to acclimate my new Actine lights just my MH. Is that correct?
     
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    cannedmulder, Oct 29, 2008
    #9
  10. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yea, I never messed with the actinic. What type of bulbs and k rating did you get?
     
    missionsix, Oct 29, 2008
    missionsix, Oct 29, 2008
    #10
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