Ramp Down if Decreasing Intensity

FreshCoastReef · Jul 28, 2022

I am considering decreasing the intensity and duration of my lighting. Do I need to ramp down slowly - like 5% per week, or is that primarily a consideration when adding intensity/duration to a lighting schedule.

I'm thinking about making this adjustment because I had a Favites in the bottom half of my tank that bleached after 3 weeks, and a Mohawk Zoa that has never really colored up the way I would expect.

I have an AI Prime 16HD on my 20G cube and I have been running the BRS suggested AIP Prime schedule for my size tank. It is their 70% setting, which gives me the following intensities and schedule.

I really like the full spectrum look that this lighting gives me, but am considering dropping the intensities down proportionally below 100%, and setting the duration of full intensity at 6 hours instead of 8. What do you think?

Tank Shot for reference:

Jekyl · Jul 28, 2022

Just to cover all bases what are your current parameters and are they stable?

Cali Reef Life · Jul 28, 2022

I think your fine ramping down its up that's the problem knowing the sweet spot might be worth ramping down slowly to find out what works.

FreshCoastReef · Jul 28, 2022

Jekyl said:
Just to cover all bases what are your current parameters and are they stable?

Params are:

Salinity: 1.025
PH: 7.9
Nitrate: 3
Phosphate: .01
ALK: 8
CAL: 360
MAG: 1250

Jekyl · Jul 28, 2022

Tank looks really clean. How mature is it? I had a rough time with coral when starting out.

FreshCoastReef · Jul 29, 2022

Tank is only 4 months old. Not very mature.

FreshCoastReef · Jul 29, 2022

Anyone else have specific input on my question about ramping down lighting?

I am considering decreasing the intensity and duration of my lighting. Do I need to ramp down slowly - like 5% per week, or is that primarily a consideration when adding intensity/duration to a lighting schedule.

Hooz · Aug 2, 2022

You're safe lowering the intensity all at once. It's really only INCREASING that you have to worry about. If you find the right intensity (PAR) for your tank, you'd be fine running 12 hours on and 12 hours off. I wouldn't shorten the peak, at least not until you find the right intensity for what you're keeping.