new light acclimation question

[Big_Pun]

Im going from 2x32w CF to 4x24w t5, I only have softies in it do I need to mount it high to acclimate or am I fine. plan on having it open top and light about 3-4 inches above water, also bulbs are used

[Mr Cob]

It will definitely be a change for your corals especially the intensity of the light. I would raise them up if possible and over the next couple of weeks slowly drop them to the desired hieght.

If moving them is not an option I would cut back on the time they are on and slowly increase until the desired time is reached over a couple of weeks.

[Big_Pun]

I'm running about 10 hours allready should I start by cutting down to five hours

[Squiers007]

Another thing you can try is to get some egg crate to fit the top of your tank and put a couple layers of screen material on top and remove one layer every week. This is what I did when I switched from pc's to T5's and I didnt havce any problems with my corals freaking out about the new lights.

[g-ray]

To be honest chris I have never done that I moved some sps lower in my tank but never really went out of control with it. I went from pc to current 4x54 t5 and then to 6x54w tek light.

[Big_Pun]

[QUOTE=g-ray;688242]To be honest chris I have never done that I moved some sps lower in my tank but never really went out of control with it. I went from pc to current 4x54 t5 and then to 6x54w tek light.[/QUOTE

I'm just worried because it's Biocube and not that deep, another question should I worry about heat issues, should I look for fans, again I was thinking of goin open but kinda worried about jumpers so I was thinkinking of goin with a top, not sure to go with glass or acrylic(warping issues?)

good to see your still around Gary

[g-ray]

Thanks if you put glass on top it will deflect light and trap heat you will not have good air exchange t5's dont really get hot from my exp I have a few fans on my t5 bal. but never had a problem.

[cpreefguy]

Like others have said, this will be WAY more light for your corals. I'd start it out a few hours a day and gradually move up to a full light cycle.

[recoiljpr]

[QUOTE=g-ray;688242]I was thinking of goin open but kinda worried about jumpers so I was thinkinking of goin with a top, not sure to go with glass or acrylic(warping issues?)

You can also try using netting for the top. Check out this thread for ideas.

http://www.reeflounge.com/showthread.php?t=30319

This may be a neat item for a group buy, as i'd love to put something like this above mine as well. But i've only found places that sell it in bulk.

[cpreefguy]

^^^ Good stuff, you can find it at some hardware stores, it's called "bird guard" or something along those lines