Adding a Second Radion, Should I Reduce Intensity and Reacclimate?

[Birddog]

My tank is 65 gallons and is 36"x 20"x21", and as my SPS have grown and I have acquired more corals I have made the realization that I need additional light beyond what one Radion can provide. I have purchased a second Radion, and will add the second light in the next few days. I run the Coral Lab AB+ program at 85% peak. When I install the second light should I reduce my peak slightly and slowly increase intensity over a period of time as I did with my first Radion? I am grateful for any insight / experience and I hope you have a pleasant evening!

 

[CJBuckeyes]

I definitely would. I would highly recommend borrowing/renting a PAR meter from someone to avoid frying stuff.

If you can't get a PAR meter, I would take them down to like 40% each and start from there just to be safe.

 

[reeferfoxx]

My tank is 65 gallons and is 36"x 20"x21", and as my SPS have grown and I have acquired more corals I have made the realization that I need additional light beyond what one Radion can provide. I have purchased a second Radion, and will add the second light in the next few days. I run the Coral Lab AB+ program at 85% peak. When I install the second light should I reduce my peak slightly and slowly increase intensity over a period of time as I did with my first Radion? I am grateful for any insight / experience and I hope you have a pleasant evening!

I would keep the same light schedule and intensity with the existing radion, and slowly increase intensity with the new radion.

 

[Birddog]

I definitely would. I would highly recommend borrowing/renting a PAR meter from someone to avoid frying stuff.

If you can't get a PAR meter, I would take them down to like 40% each and start from there just to be safe.

Thank you CJ... I need to find a PAR meter to help me with the process... just need to find out where to borrow one. I had a bout with RTN several months ago and the only cause I feel I was able to link to the sudden case of RTN was an abrupt decrease in my overall intensity from 95% down to 80%. Makes me a little nervous, but your suggestion of using a PAR meter to help me through the process is excellent!

I would keep the same light schedule and intensity with the existing radion, and slowly increase intensity with the new radion.

Whoa... love this idea, but with my Radions attached to my APEX WXM the question is how.

 

[CJBuckeyes]

I had a bout with RTN several months ago and the only cause I feel I was able to link to the sudden case of RTN was an abrupt decrease in my overall intensity from 95% down to 80%.

Decreasing light wouldn't likely cause RTN. SPS can deal with reduced light very well, usually the only impact is losing color or browning out. The causes of RTN are unknown, but I'd look at swings in alk or maybe temp as the most likely suspect. Very high light levels plus low nutrients can also cause it. The damage might have been done and just took a little while to show up.