Lighting time on advice

[Wayne]

I will gradually work the intensity up and I can certainly feed the fish in the evening. To reduce the duration what time should I move the atinics on to?

Also I should note that when its time for my next bulb change I am considering changing all the T5's to different daytime colors without atinics. I will still have 2 65w atinics.

[The Grizz]

here is how mine are, not saying it is right but just to give you an idea. I have 4 sets of 2 bulbs per 4' of tank, so 1st bank comes on at 9, 2nd at 10, 3rd at 11 and 4th at 12. Then shut off in reverse starting at 6 pm.

[Wayne]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

here is how mine are, not saying it is right but just to give you an idea. I have 4 sets of 2 bulbs per 4' of tank, so 1st bank comes on at 9, 2nd at 10, 3rd at 11 and 4th at 12. Then shut off in reverse starting at 6 pm.

I could do something similar with the atinics on, 2 T5's, 2 T5's, Metal halides and then reverse. Better simulation of ocean brightness. I like that idea.

[chris88]

Good idea, but it woulnd't run light for more then 12hours. If you are looking to try some different t5's that are not actinic try the following, kz new gen, kz fiji purple, or kz superblue which are similar to an actinic but with a broader blue spectrum and higher par.

Originally Posted by Wayne

I could do something similar with the atinics on, 2 T5's, 2 T5's, Metal halides and then reverse. Better simulation of ocean brightness. I like that idea.

[reefwars]

12 hrs of light is good period.... any more and your just feeding algae. your corals and especially fish dont need that many hours of light at 8 come on my t5"s and at 3 come on my halides the halides come off at 7 and everything else at 8 .lately ive been keeping my lights on longer for buyers to see the coral opened but thats my usual schedule

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by chris88

Good idea, but it woulnd't run light for more then 12hours. If you are looking to try some different t5's that are not actinic try the following, kz new gen, kz fiji purple, or kz superblue which are similar to an actinic but with a broader blue spectrum and higher par.

I also agree with Chris, I am running 6 New Gen's, 4 Super Blue, 4 Coral Lite and 2 Fiji Purple.

[Wayne]

Would it be a good idea to have 1 of each bulb or 2 and 2? When I replace the 20,00k metal halide I may go to a 14,000k if that affects anything I will shorten my photo period to 12 hours. I have only had minor brown algea so far.

[chris88]

if you go with 14,000k then i would do a superblue and a fiji purple. if you stay 20,000k i would go new gen and fiji purple.