new bulbs/ballasts
 

Finally I get to put my new ushio bulbs to use! I bought them in November and then had some troubles getting the ballasts. I finally bought the ballasts yesterday. They're M59s, originally I wanted the HQI but yet again I am being laid off so its el cheapo ballasts to the rescue!

Anyhoo, on to the pics!!
Iwasaki bulbs on H37 ballasts:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...April12006.jpg

Ushio bulbs on M59 ballasts:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...22006ushio.jpg

Hmm, not much of a difference photo wise, but incredibly whiter and brighter in my tank. And my regal tang looks even more purple!! I really should have done this ages ago! :razz:

Now on to the question: so I've switched bulbs. These ushios seem way more "intense". Do I have to acclimate my corals to them, or is it just me that needs the acclimation? :wink:

You can see a bit of difference in the photos but like you said it's not all that noticable although I am sure it is in "real life".
I don't know if you have to acclimate the corals but I know when I put new bulbs in I usually cut down my light period by about 2 hours (1 hour on either end) just to be on the safe side and watch closely.
I would keep and eye on things and if it looks like they are stressing or starting to bleach maybe get some screening, cut back on the photo-period, or move the lights up or the corals down. Just MO
That's a drag getting laid off - hopefully just till the new fiscal and new budget.

I love my Ushios... tres crisp :wink:

I don't think anything will need aclimation... the softies might grumpy for a little bit... But I'd keep both eyes on it for a while.
Enjoy your lights :)
Dan