Photoperiod

[Rudy]

All things being equal (type of lighting, type of inverts), what do people think is the ideal photoperid for a reef tank?

[Guy W]

I run my lights around 8, but voted 8 to 10 because sometimes I forget :p

[mogurnda]

Actinics: on 930a, off 930p
Daylights: on 11a off 8p

[slipknottin]

I vary it over the year from 12-14 hours.

[liquafaction]

I try to keep mine as close to actual sun ups, and sun down times. I figure there is no need running lights when it is dark outside, and there is no need having lights off when it is light outside. I guess I run by the seasons

[mogurnda]

I figure there is no need running lights when it is dark outside That's the only time I'm home!

[Rudy]

If I had the tank lights on only during daylight hours I would never see my tank inhabitants.

Couple daylight savings time with a day job, ligting the tank in the evening and at night is a must for the average guy. I think?

[liquafaction]

That's the only time I'm home!


I know what you mean, When I get home from work, all I have going is the actinics for about 10-15 minutes. I just got such a bad algae problem, that this was one of the alternatives for helping get rid of it. I would rather have a healthy tank that I do not get to see at night, than an ugly algae infested tank. I hate it just as much as you guys do

[Guy W]

Originally posted by liquafaction



I know what you mean, When I get home from work, all I have going is the actinics for about 10-15 minutes. I just got such a bad algae problem, that this was one of the alternatives for helping get rid of it. I would rather have a healthy tank that I do not get to see at night, than an ugly algae infested tank. I hate it just as much as you guys do

You could run an opposite photo period. turn the lights on in the evening and off before bed. If you keep your house fairly dark when your away from home during the day your fish will never know the difference.

[liquafaction]

Well, I actually keep my tank in my master bed room. I have 2 skylights, and 2 sets of french doors in my master bed room, so It gets quite a bit of natural light. I do not have my tank in direct light, but never the less, plenty of light gets in my room.

[fish_breeder_05]

i went for the variable. I f you skip a water change for one reason or another, the scheduale leaning twards the night shgift will let out the nocturnal cleaners more often untill you can take care of it. then theres always a breeders random scheduale...

[mysis]

8-10 hours.

[RothChyld]

actinics 11-11
Day bulbs 2-10