How fast increase LED intensity?

[mitchrapp]

So I just got a PAR meter and found out that my PAR levels are about half of what I would like them to be. I would like to increase my LED intensity, but am wondering how much % I can increase them over what time period? I'm at about 50% intensity right now, and would like to go to 100%. I have a BTA, some hammers and a few monti caps.

[Rob Pnuke]

What LEDs are you using?
Before switching to T5s I had a radion that bleached a good portion of my coral because I under estimated how strong they were.

[mitchrapp]

Build my leds.

I measured the par at 100% and that is level I want them at. But am just concerned about how fast I can increase the intensity.

[jmbmmb27]

I would ramp mine up and then down over a 3 hr time period

[TangingOut]

I would increase 5 percent every 5 days.

[toothybugs]

Where are you starting from for PAR and what do you want to get to? I have a couple BML strips myself, curious what readings you are getting and how far away. Mine seem to max at about 150 according to my meter just under the surface from 8" away.

I did 20-25 PAR units weekly and never had an issue with anything.

[mitchrapp]

I have 2 BML 20k XB strips on a 75g. I'm using the BML tank mounts so they are about 3" above the surface. My highest rock structure is probably about 10 inches from the light (7" below the water) and I'm getting about 140 PAR there at 50%. When running 100%, I can get 280 PAR there. At the sand bed (~20" below the light, 17" below water), I'm getting around 60-80 PAR and at 100%, I can get around 150 PAR.

[Wazzel]

I would suggest taking a few months to go from where you are to where you want to be. Slow and steady.

[Brieninsac]

I have two Kessil a360w's that have been running at 50% for about 5 months now. Just yesterday I thought I'd bump them up to 60%. When I got home a few of my corals were kinda recessed, which is really unusual. The others seemed fine. But I backed the lights down to 55% which I think will be fine for now.