Switching lighting

[Kapachuka3]

Just got a new lid and ive had a better light for a while now, the problem is my coral is very happy under the light i currently have, would me switching lights to a “stronger” one causes problems or make the coral happier?

 

[D.WhiteShark]

If your corals are doing well, is there a reason that you are looking to change lights?

 

[Kapachuka3]

If your corals are doing well, is there a reason that you are looking to change lights?

Just wondering if it would make them maybe grow faster, i dont need to at all just might help a tiny bit.

 

[Kapachuka3]

Just wondering if it would make them maybe grow faster, i dont need to at all just might help a tiny bit.

The light i currently have is a basic one i got with the tank, the other one is more expensive and designed for corals.

 

[TheNative192]

The light i currently have is a basic one i got with the tank, the other one is more expensive and designed for corals.

It depends on what the par changes are between the lights. Usually with more expensive lights designed for corals and you can customize the intensity of the light or have it be farther away decreasing the light or par exposure with the new light. (You can then increase it overtime or move it closer which will safely acclimate the corals to the new light)

It is hard to judge without information on the tank/tank size, what the new light is called, and what corals you are worried about the light changing with.

For example, if you doubled the light intensity that could bleach or kill the coral or have serious negative effects. Gradual increases are better but let me know that info and I can see if I can help.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Just wondering if it would make them maybe grow faster, i dont need to at all just might help a tiny bit.

I agree with @TheNative192, knowing more about the tank and what corals you have or hope to have will help the community give you some direction. SPS, LPS, Softies or even NFS (don't use light) corals have very different needs. The possibilities for lighting options in the hobby are massive as you know. Knowing what specifically you want to do with the lights will help narrow the options or even necessity for new and improved lights.

 

[Kapachuka3]

I agree with @TheNative192, knowing more about the tank and what corals you have or hope to have will help the community give you some direction. SPS, LPS, Softies or even NFS (don't use light) corals have very different needs. The possibilities for lighting options in the hobby are massive as you know. Knowing what specifically you want to do with the lights will help narrow the options or even necessity for new and improved lights.

Gotcha, ill see if i can find out which ones, the only corals i have now and ever plan on having are softies, ex:leather, gsp, xenia, and the size of my tank is 32.5, the light i currently have in the tank is a aquasky 600mm, and ill try to find which one is the more expensive one i got.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Gotcha, ill see if i can find out which ones, the only corals i have now and ever plan on having are softies, ex:leather, gsp, xenia, and the size of my tank is 32.5, the light i currently have in the tank is a aquasky 600mm, and ill try to find which one is the more expensive one i got.

Most of those don't need super intense lights to be healthy. However, it does seem like that light is more of a basic "fishtank" light rather than a reef light although I don't have any personal experience with them. Definitely make sure you start low and slowly ramp up intensity when you change lights so that you don't have a negative reaction from your corals. A big change in light can cause corals to bleach fast.

 

[Kapachuka3]

Most of those don't need super intense lights to be healthy. However, it does seem like that light is more of a basic "fishtank" light rather than a reef light although I don't have any personal experience with them. Definitely make sure you start low and slowly ramp up intensity when you change lights so that you don't have a negative reaction from your corals. A big change in light can cause corals to bleach fast.

Ok, would u recommend i just stay with this light, im switching to a see through tank so the light will be on top of the lid.

 

[TheNative192]

Ok, would u recommend i just stay with this light, im switching to a see through tank so the light will be on top of the lid.

If you already have or paid for the light making the switch is likely ideal as it will have a better spectrum for the corals probably. Soft corals tend to be able to handle light changes a lot better and are more hardy although it is still best/safe practice to make the change gradually if you can. Do you have the name of the new light or do you know if it allows you to change settings on it for intensity?

 

[vionchi1]

Most light have an acclimation mode. Id start on the lower end and work your way up.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Ok, would u recommend i just stay with this light, im switching to a see through tank so the light will be on top of the lid.

If you already have the new light, there isn't much downside to upgrading your current light. If you know what model the new light is, we can have more direction for you

 

[Kapachuka3]

If you already have the new light, there isn't much downside to upgrading your current light. If you know what model the new light is, we can have more direction for you

Found a picture of the light, this is the one im thinking about putting in.

 

[TheNative192]

Found a picture of the light, this is the one im thinking about putting in.

Looks like that light does have an ability to adjust the intensity with the remote so it should be easy to adjust over time. You can start out at a low intensity similar to your own light and then just increase or adjust it over time. I am not familiar with that brand but it looks like it comes with a remote you can adjust.

 

[D.WhiteShark]

Found a picture of the light, this is the one im thinking about putting in.

Exactly what @TheNative192 said, start it low and bump it up over time if you can't adjust the intensity. If intensity is not adjustable, you can start with a couple hours a day and bump it up 30 min to an hour or so a week until you reach your max photo period (8-10 hours). Ideally it's best to adjust intensity if thats an option. I don't know about Finnex as a light but I do like thier heaters. I think they are a decent brand.