LED acclimation process

Spendley · Oct 17, 2013

Hey guys,

I have a biocube 29 and am upgrading to LEDs from the CFLs this weekend (decided on Steve's LEDs). I went with 14 Royal blue, 4 cool blue, and 10 neutral whites (standard is 18 RB 10 NW but read that adding in some CB makes it better). I have seen in a lot of places people caution to acclimate your corals to the new light slowly, which is great advice...just not very specific. What's the correct process for acclimating corals to new lights?

I greatly appreciate any and all feedback and will try to respond as quickly as possible if you have any questions.

Scribe · Oct 17, 2013

Tagging along. I just ordered LEDs too. I'm making the switch from halides, but I'd guess advice is similar.

Reefing Madness · Oct 18, 2013

Much easier if your unit is dimmable. Put light setting on 25% to start, then add 10% a week unitl you have the desired light. Please note: Most don't run thier LEDs at full bore, as this is usually to much for the tank to handle, and its not needed.
Second, if you don't have them dimmable, start out at 4 hours then up it an hour every week unitl your at the time frame you desire.

CKI · Oct 18, 2013

I have reef radiance LEDs on my 75 gal and i only have mine set at 40% power

Spendley · Oct 18, 2013

Okay so maybe start at 20% and raise it 5% every 5 days or so (arbitrary numbers). They should be coming in the mail today so I will start the acclimation on Saturday.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll let you know how it goes!