Full lighting from start?

Jonah2940

Jonah2940

AC Members
Apr 14, 2006
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UK
Hi all,

The lights for my upgraded tank are back on the wall (after a little accident involving them falling off). I've got 2x250w MH's & 2xT5's (blue). My tank has fully cycled (fingers crossed) so should I gradually build up the lighting or get the bloom over with and go straight into the 12 hour lighting?

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IMO it's easier to deal with one huge bloom rather than having multiple blooms over a period of weeks... if you gradually build up the lighting, you will most likely get small blooms each time you up the lighting.
 
I wouldn't light for 12 hours with halides ever. Your corals will get enough light to be more than happy in the first 4 to 6 hours with that set-up. I would run them a max of 8 hours a day any more than that is going to be an algae fight.

Great looking tank, what size is it?
 
Thanks, it's 468 litres (103 gallons).
Sorry but by 12 hours I meant 8 hours of the MH's and 4 hours either side of the T5's.
The first time I put the lights on the wall I didn't use long enough screws and 24 hours later there was a loud bang and the lights were on top of the tank. Very lucky escape, only a very small scratch on the lights.

It's Indonesian Aquacultured rock. Very pleased with it.
 
I still think that is going to be too long. IME you will be fighting off algae but I may be wrong and you could always back the lighting off if needed.
 
8 hours it's going to be then. It looks really good with them on though so I'll have to fight the temptation and not flick the switch too early:rolleyes: .
 
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