LED upgrade

[Js.Aqua.Project]

So my 125 has had numerous lights over it, starting with MH that came with it (along with a huge power bill). Then not knowing any better (but originally running a FOWLR tank) using cheap marineland LEDs from PetSmart. Then MarsAqua black box LEDs and now finally, one of the last upgrades, Hydra 26HDs.

Original Mounting of MarsAquas on PVC: (I'm a broke teacher with an expensive hobby)

Then with a canopy frame: (about 4 months after PVC frame)

And now (drum roll) Hydra 26Hd with HMS rail system:

Questions for all of you:
-How long do you set your acclimation time to within myAI?
-Is anyone running their Hydras with a similar setting to the BRS Investigates - Prime HD AB+ setting? What have you noticed in the tank?
-Is there a reason to alter the intensity/spectrum throughout the day rather than just a ramp up/down?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SDboatguy]

Nice upgrade ! A couple bits of advise ... IF you have corals, definitely use the acclimation feature. I would do a 40% drop for a month(it will increase the intensity gradually for you). Once you pick a setting for the lights , stick with it. Minor adjustments are OK ,but try to "set it and forget it". Stability is a lighting issue just as important as water chemistry. I don't use the AB+ settings,but have heard nothing but good things about it. And lastly, depending on what you stock the tank with, you may want/need more fixtures down the road. For reference , I run 26HDs (3) AND 4 T5s(48") on my 60x18x20 . I have 2 T5s on for 10 hours and all 4 T5s on for 5 hours during the LED peak. I run the hydras with 4 hour ramp up/down and 5 hours at peak.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I think I am slowly going to add more Hydras until I get to 6 to help with spread/intensity. I considered using 52s but I like the concept of being able to spread the 26s out further to get a more even spread.

Right now I have my acclimation set to 50% over 2 weeks, I will stretch that out to a month.