Light acclimation to new MH ?

[buzzword]

I am getting new bulbs on friday and am wondering how to acclimate my corals to the new light. I currently have 10K's and am getting 14K's. Should I put them in and gradually increase the time they are on; say 2-3hrs first day, 3-4hrs on 3rd day, 4-5 hrs on 5th day etc? I have my MH on for 8hrs a day right now and am seeing fading colors on my corals and my brain started to die until I moved it to my wifes tank, so I guess the bulbs are past due for a change. They are 10 months old. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[wax32]

I'd light em same amount of time but put eggcrate over the corals.

 

[buzzword]

Wax, why eggcrate and how do you mean over? Do you mean on the tanks inner rim like I have for my wifes jawfish to keep him from jumping? And why will it cut the light? Thanks for the input.

 

[dburr]

If the 10K's are old, go slow. I would do just like you said.

 

[wax32]

Yes, like over on the surface of the tank. Take it off and put it back on, you will see the difference. You can do 2 or 3 layers if you want, taking a layer off every couple of days.

 

[buzzword]

Now why you guys wanna confuse me like that LOL. No offense Wax but I don't understand the rational. If I just increase the photo period then there is no need for the eggcrate, right? I just want to do this right and not shock/scorch my corals.
Thank you both for your input.

 

[wax32]

You can do it either way, but why make a short, bright day, when you could make a normal length cloudy one?

 

[buzzword]

i see your point now thanks.

 

[wax32]

Anytime!