I went from 2x400w to 4x250w= corals bleaching

[Jar*Head]

I used to run 2 x 400w HQI ballast w/reeflux 10k on Lumenarc III, all corals seem to be very happy and healthy :). Last week i change out the reflector and ballast to 4 PFO HQI ballast with Lumenarc mini and Reeflux 10k. Both lighting setup i have it on for 8hrs/day.

After 3 days i notice some of the coral on top turn lighter :(. I thought with the 250w they shouldn't have any problem but i was wrong :(. Beside the fact i went from 2x400's to 4x250's. I also lower the light a little :(. With the 400w, i had it 12-14" from the water surface. With the 250's i have it approx 8-10".

What do you think i should do?

- Lower the photoperiod down to 6hrs/day and slowly increase?

- Or raise the light up a little?

FYI, i am very happy with the new light setup. Thanks to Eric ********** for the recommendation. Hopefully the corals will enjoy the light as much as i do (not at this time. But hopefully later). Now i am fully understand why Sanjay recommended 250w for tank up 24"H and also 10K bulbs from coral vue really kick butt :)

[Jar*Head]

Some picture to share :)

Front shot
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/lighting/frontshot.jpg

Side view
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/lighting/sideshot.jpg

Reflector mounted onto Solar Revolution
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/lighting/topdown.jpg

another shot of reflector
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/lighting/lumenarcminisetup.jpg

Finally the video :)
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/lighting/th_MOV00469.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/lighting/?action=view&current=MOV00469.flv)

[Jar*Head]

Let compare between the two lighting.

2 400w
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/New%20pic/frontshot.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/NgoSH0311/bubble%20king/FTS1.jpg

[jun41]

I suppose you could actually do both.

Either way, that light mover is BAD-A$$.

[Jar*Head]

thanks bro.

[djperezo]

Light mover is awesome! IMO though, you have it rotating a little too fast, good job nevertheless

[fijiblue]

I always recommend buying a submersable lux meter ($89) and measure the reading before and then try to match it with the new set up. This will leave minimum change in light difference and save quite a few coral.

[hahnmeister]

Gee... sure wish I had a light mover...

Id raise the lights. Messing with the photoperiod is a more complicated ballgame... corals seem to be more sensitive to overexposure with peak values, not longer photoperiods. Taking a coral that is used to a PAR or 400, and putting it under 600 all of a sudden may be beyond its tolerance for what its pigments can handle, and so 6 hours of this excess, or 12... its still too much until it adapts. Keeping the photoperiod, but cutting down the intensity... thats what I would do.

[Jar*Head]

Hahnmeister, i just send out your rail. Hope it is not too late. Sorry, i have been busy.

[Jar*Head]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9714214#post9714214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by djperezo
Light mover is awesome! IMO though, you have it rotating a little too fast, good job nevertheless

Take 2 mins for it to do 355 degrees. I can't tune it down or slower. It comes with just 1 setting.

[HowardW]

I would agree to move the new lights higher off the water for the first 1-2 weeks.