How much can acans handle?

[dan223]

Settin up a new tank, 75g want to go with a 6 bulb fixture, can the acans adjust without all turning red if I put them up front on ground and on sides? I have some rainbows and dont want them to go away. Any body have expeirences with these?

[Mattmcf]

what is the total wattage? you should be fine with them on the bottom. Also, what are you moving them over from (what light are they used to)?

[dan223]

The 75 would be lit by either 4 or 6 54 watt T5 Im wondering if anyone else has had acans under 6 T5s in a 21" or shallower tank. Specifically aussi rainbows, from what ive heard they are the ones most likely to loose color under high light.
Thanks

[afboundguy]

I have some under my 4x54 watt retro in my 55 gallon with only 1 of 20+ that have morphed and it morphed into a better color so I lucked out... I usually start them in a shaded area and then more them out from under a ledge slowly...

[kass03]

It all depends on what bulbs you use also. I kept acans under a 6 bulb ho 54 watt fixture on my 55. I did'nt even have them on the bottom more middle or 3/4 way down.
You can always start with more actinic to get them acclimated to the new light.
Thats what I like about T5's you can make them bright or dim them down with more actinic. I'd go with 6 bulbs so you have more choices. I'm glad I did.
I used 4 10k and 1 blue and 1 purple actinic. I then switched some of my 10k to 12k. They did well under all of those combo's.

kass

[iamwrasseman]

they actually will be plumper under less light but will slowly acclimate to more intense light . they dont really require much light and do exceptional under less light . i have been experimenting with this for a few years and really less is better ,try it .

[snorvich]

iamwrasseman: How far down do you have them? Under what lights?

[dan223]

Hmm I think Ill get the 6 bulb if its too much Ill only run 4 bulbs, it just seems like a waste if I dont use 6 but better to have the option.

[impur]

I have the 6-54w TEK T5 fixture over my 75gal. My acans are all on the sandbed. Most are fine, some need shade or they receed.

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14716083#post14716083 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by iamwrasseman
they dont really require much light and do exceptional under less light.
I agree... it's astonishing how well they'll do with NO direct light!

I kept several colonies in a 50 breeder (18" high) with a single 250W DE MH (Phoenix 14 K, Hamilton HQI ballast, Hamilton Reefstar pendent) and eventually moved them all off to the sides. At this point they were still in direct light, and my elegance coral started to encroach so I pushed them under a ledge (the elegance would've turned them to mush) and observed for a few weeks. They continued to do great, and to my surprise improved :thumbsup:

[dan223]

Hmm well Ive got a 75g and want to go with the 6 bulb ati so Ill probably just do that and then if its too much ill only run 4 bulbs.

[hansmatt]

I have a 6 bulb ATI PM on my 90g, and on the sandbed things are pretty bright, my rainbows do need a bit of shade, as do some of the others or they recess.