How to switch lights?

[eggplantparrot]

Hey yall,

i am picking up an AI Hydra 32 tonight, to switch out the Micmol mini (stated at 60W) on my 14G. the Micmol has served me well and can slowly grow Acros that are put up top. however i am thinking of upgrading to a 40G in the future and would like to have 2x Hydra 32s on it, so i will get one now and another when i actually upgrade.

Here is my problem right now, i do not own a PAR meter and the nearest LFS that rents one out is almost an hour away, with a waiting list of MONTHS. is there a way i can swap to the Hydra without either light starving or over lighting? i realize this may be a fools errand to do this without a proper meter. any input would be appreciated.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Rent one from bulk reef supply or start the lights low and set them in acclimation mode for a few weeks

 

[eggplantparrot]

Rent one from bulk reef supply or start the lights low and set them in acclimation mode for a few weeks

im in Toronto Canada, BRS is no go.

how does the acclimation mode work? do you set the final intensity you want and it will go down a calculated % and increase day by day?

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

I’d put on the new light. Get it a good foot and a half off the tank. Start with low power and slowly move the power up. On a 14 gal you don’t need to crank them up. Maybe someone with this light will shed some insight.

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

im in Toronto Canada, BRS is no go.

how does the acclimation mode work? do you set the final intensity you want and it will go down a calculated % and increase day by day?

How its works is you set a reduction so like 20% lower than what you want, set a time period let's say 10 days. Over those 10 days it increases slowly until it hits the point you want it

 

[eggplantparrot]

How its works is you set a reduction so like 20% lower than what you want, set a time period let's say 10 days. Over those 10 days it increases slowly until it hits the point you want it

oh sounds like id have a lot more control over this than i thought. i thought it is just a pre-programmed setting.

thanks.