400w MH too much for my 58?

[mhayes462]

I have an Oceanic 58g that is 36x18x21 and I have a 400w MH fixture with two 12" pc actinics mounted 8" above the water. Is this too. Much for my tank? I'm currently building a led fixture for this tank so the halide is only temporary. My sps is doing great and I have them higher in the tank. However, my trachy's and chalice look washed out. I know they had more vibrant color when I first put them in. They are on the bottom. Any thoughts?
Mike Hayes

 

[siptang]

400 mh is bit much but once acclimated properly, I think you can get away with it.

 

[snakeblitz33]

I would raise the lights or add some mosquito mesh to the top of the tank and gradually lower it or take one screen off a week to get the corals acclimated. Beware adding new corals until you get your LEDs built.

 

[mhayes462]

I acclimated all the corals when putting them in. I bought some of the light diffuser panels from lowes and had six on top of the tank. I would take one off every other day. And they still wash out. That's why I am thinking the light might just be too much for the tank. I was thinking moving it up would help.
Mike Hayes

 

[siptang]

one a day might have been too early. :/

 

[mhayes462]

No, I said every other day.
Mike Hayes

 

[snakeblitz33]

I would have done one every five to seven days, but that's just me I guess. It takes longer for a coral to let it's zooxanthellae to reproduce then it does to expel it. I would have done it a little longer than that.

 

[siptang]

oops sorry about that Mike, I have read it long and as Seth has said, I acclimated for 3 weeks with my light systems.

 

[mhayes462]

I raised it about 6 more inches, so ill see how that does. I may reduce the time they're on also
Mike Hayes

 

[siptang]

That sounds like a plan Mike. Best of luck and let us know how it goes.