How to switch over from 250W MH to DIY fixture on 20" cube

[nerdz]

As title, states I have no idea how to make the switch without risking my livestock.

My current 250w MH bulb is quite old, as I knew I was going to LED. Tank is a mix of LPS and SPS RBTA

*My LED setup is as following:

8 x XM-L neutral whites driven at 2.3A
14 x XT-E Royal blues driven 1.3A
6 x UV and 2 x red driven at 700mA

It will all be controlled by a ReefAngel, so I have lots of options about dimming and lighting cycles.*
So, # hours?% to run at?

Thanks for any help!

[TheMikey]

I believe the consensus on switching from MH to LED is gradual ramping of the light intensity. Start at 30% and move up in increments on a weekly basis (i.e. 35 - 40 - 45 - 50). Watch your corals, they'll tell you if there's too much or too little light.

[nerdz]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

I believe the consensus on switching from MH to LED is gradual ramping of the light intensity. Start at 30% and move up in increments on a weekly basis (i.e. 35 - 40 - 45 - 50). Watch your corals, they'll tell you if there's too much or too little light.

Thanks for input. Do most people run them 8? 10? Hrs

[spit.fire]

Originally Posted by nerdz

Thanks for input. Do most people run them 8? 10? Hrs

IMO 8 is ideal, I've seen people run em for 6

[TheMikey]

Are you using a controller? Is your array dimmable? If it is, peak daylight hours are preferable between 6-8 hours I think. If you're dimming the unit, it wont matter how many hours outside that as your corals won't be exposed to peak intensity.

For example, some people have their LEDs programmed to simulate sunrise/sunset of particular GPS co-ordinates. Because they're running their lights at a fraction of the daylight intensity, you can keep them on longer without stressing your corals.

[nerdz]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

Are you using a controller? Is your array dimmable? If it is, peak daylight hours are preferable between 6-8 hours I think. If you're dimming the unit, it wont matter how many hours outside that as your corals won't be exposed to peak intensity.

For example, some people have their LEDs programmed to simulate sunrise/sunset of particular GPS co-ordinates. Because they're running their lights at a fraction of the daylight intensity, you can keep them on longer without stressing your corals.

yes, fully dimmable PWM drivers controlled by ReefAngel.

Cheers

[TheMikey]

Well, with Reef Angels, you can set your dimming parabola in the software provided or you can code it yourself. The fact that there's a ramp-up means that your corals won't be totally exposed to your daylight bulbs the whole day at their highest intensities.

I'd try a peak at 40% and 4-6 hours and ramp up and down on an hour-long period. That said, I have no idea how the lights will compare to your MH. Did you base your DIY LED on someone else's build?

[nerdz]

Originally Posted by TheMikey

Well, with Reef Angels, you can set your dimming parabola in the software provided or you can code it yourself. The fact that there's a ramp-up means that your corals won't be totally exposed to your daylight bulbs the whole day at their highest intensities.

I'd try a peak at 40% and 4-6 hours and ramp up and down on an hour-long period. That said, I have no idea how the lights will compare to your MH. Did you base your DIY LED on someone else's build?

Yes, the ReefAngel wizard allows you to pick from a few different curves.

I built it myself. Based of of no other builds. Good idea? Bad? Im not sure... ha ha!

At this point l haven't mounted any lens. i do have a set of 80 degrees though.