LED Placement and Acclimation?

[texhorns98]

Since I'm going to let the 180 sit for a while, I thought I might as well set up the new LEDS on the 120.

What height off the water is recommended? I have the 48x3W E-Shine with 60 degree optics in the middle two rows and 90 on the outside (think that's right). I have two of these, but only one has a controller.

Also, thoughts on acclimation of corals? Currently I have 2x250w halides on them with 4xT5 actinics. The halides are on for 8 hours a day.

 

[texhorns98]

Bumpy!

Debating whether to hang the lights from the ceiling or use a swing arm style, wall mounted plant hanger. I found some on-line that can support up to 40lbs. My fixture is just over 8.

I've been running the whites at no greater than 60% and the blues eventually all the way up to 100%. Anyone else want to chim in on the acclimation of LEDs or how high to hang them off the water for the best coverage/PAR?

 

[jef4y]

You're going to want to hang them high in order to distribute the light better. Also, if you can dim them, DO SO! LED's can be pretty intense and can burn corals if you crank them up off the bat.

If you can get them 12-18" off the tank, do it. Under 12" is tough because of spotlighting, even with optics.

 

[elfloyd]

Different brand (Maxspect) and non-dimmable... 160w each, two units over a 90g...running over two years. LEDs are 3" above (sitting on the tank) the water after a break in peorid. Started 18" above the tank and lowered over two weeks.

 

[bulkrate]

In the case of non-dimmables, you may have to just shorten your photoperiod by 50% or so and then slowly increase it back to what suits you.

That or slap some layers of mesh/screen between the fixture and tank and remove one each week.

 

[texhorns98]

Thanks guys. I have one completely dimmable fixture and one that I can turn on half and half. Looks like I'll be hanging from the ceiling at first. I had 2x250W halides sitting 6 inches off the water though and never had a problem!