Am I pounding my tank with too much light?

[Derek B]

I am running 2 250 watt Iwasakis with 110 watts of actinic supplimentation, but some of my soft corals (mushrooms and finger leather) act as if they are getting pounded with light (i.e. they don't open up fully). The tank is 26" deep. Should I run my actinics longer without the halides on? Should I fire the halides one at a time instead of together? My cycle is 7 am - actinics on ..... 8 am both halides on ... 7 pm halides off .... 8 pm actinics off. Any advice?

[Derek B]

Ya, I think I need to run a shorter cycle on my halides.

[Tim Marvin]

The halides need to run only 6-8 hours. They are to simulate mid-day sun. Move the softies to shaded areas or the lowest lit areas you can. Mushrooms will do fine under ledges.

[Jimnorris]

Techgrad,
I have six 400 watt MHs on my tank and my softies and mushrooms do great way down on the bottom of the tank.
Jim

[Derek B]

Will do. Thanks Tim.