Acclimation to new light system

[HereticHammer]

I have a Power Compact system (with very old bulbs) on my orchidarium but I will have a new HO T5 system arriving today.

I know to move the hanging plants down and slowly move them back up as they acclimate to the new lights but what to do about the orchids at the bottom already?

I guess I should put the lights on for only short periods at first but I don't know how slow to go.

Any suggestions as to what daylight period I can safely start with? Also, how long should I wait so that I know they are fine before moving up an hour or more?

Please post suggestion and if you have done this before I would especially like to hear from you.

Thanks so much.

[Ross]

Really, the only plants that need to be acclimated are those that will be exposed to light over 1800 foot-candles or so. The ones already near the bottom will probably get stronger light, but not dramatically so. High light lovers can go about 6" further from light than their final height then move them closer weekly. Sounds like a fun project.