How long to keep lights on?

hqgc · #1 12-06-2006, 12:04 AM

I have a 48" 4x65 watt pc on my tank. The tank is 28" high. Just wondering how long to keep the lights on each day. Obviously it is a FOWLR and I am just hoping to get some nice coralline growth on my live rock.

Ruth · #2 12-06-2006, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hqgc

The tank is 54" high.

You must need a mask and snorkel to get to the bottom of that thing.
Anyway I think you would be fine with lighting for 10-12 hours a day although you can definately go with less.

Pan · #3 12-06-2006, 08:27 PM

a lot of what i have read seemed to mention or at least elude to the following.
if you want dark purple coraline, chances are greatest if you only use your actinics....then the colors lighten as you brighten

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #4 12-06-2006, 10:38 PM

My rocks have very good purple coraline growth & I rarely had my actinics on. My softies tank with 150w DE & I supplemented 3 or so times a week with Liquid Reactor. The coralline growth was much better than the LPS tank next to it.

JME,

Anthony

hqgc · #5 12-06-2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth

You must need a mask and snorkel to get to the bottom of that thing.
.

Snorkel no kidding! My mistake, It's 54 " long . oops. It is actually 28 " deep.
Sorry.

Ruth · #6 12-07-2006, 12:35 AM

The fastest coralline growth that I have ever accomplished was using VHO actinics on for probably 12 hours a day.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #7 01-14-2007, 01:43 AM

I run 192 watt VHO, 2 of the 4 bulbs are actinics and my coraline gets out of control! Usually have to scrap the front and side glass every few weeks. The other thing that helps is proper calcium and magnesium levels.