New MH and coral acclimation

[kimc]

I have purchased a new canopy for my 24 JBJ Nano Cube. The canopy is equipped with 150 watt/14K HQI. I have been reading threads on acclimating the tank. Since I will not be able to raise and lower the light fixture I am thinking of using the screen method. Does anyone have any ideas on how I am suppose to keep the screen in place??? Or any better ideas on acclimating??? I have a large leather coral that is close to the top of the tank and I am worried that the new light will harm it. The coral has attached itself on a huge rock so there is no way I can lower the rock in the tank. If the light is too much can I just peel the coral off of the rock if I have to move it??? Any ideas, suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! Here's a couple of pictures of the coral that I am worried about. Thanks!!

 

[bronco300]

can you not just use a screen that sits on your tank? or get some eggcrate to put the screen to and then put the screen on the eggcrate...a bit better strength to it

 

[kimc]

I was looking at the canopy and might be able to use egg crate if I remove the splash guard. With 5 layers of screen between the lamp and water, I don't think were will be a problem with water damaging the lamp. Do you think the screen will melt being that close to the lamp?? Any other ideas???
Thanks Bronco300 for your respose.

 

[bronco300]

I doubt it would melt...but i've never tried it before...you could use a different type of metal mesh screen if you are worried about that, take a piece of eggcrate and lay the mesh on that so it won't fall in the water

 

[peef]

Why don't you just reduce the amount of hours you initially run your new light? Run it for 4-5 hours a day for like 3-4 days. Then add 30 minutes of time every other day until you are up to your normal light schedule.

 

[kimc]

Originally Posted by peef
Why don't you just reduce the amount of hours you initially run your new light? Run it for 4-5 hours a day for like 3-4 days. Then add 30 minutes of time every other day until you are up to your normal light schedule.
this is a good plan but the tank will be dark for most of the day. will this be a problem??? Gosh... I was so excited to upgrade to MH but what a pain!!!
Thanks so much.

 

[nycbob]

like peef said, that is the best way. ur corals will be ok with those 3-4 hours at the beginning, since the light is so much more intense.

 

[bronco300]

yep, you can do that way too, i like having light though, even if dim,

 

[kimc]

Originally Posted by Bronco300
yep, you can do that way too, i like having light though, even if dim,

I like light!!! I'm going to get some screen and try that method. If that doesn't work then I will reduce the hours...
Thank you for the advice!!