Lighting cycle

[cowboy898]

Hello everyone,

I am new the SW and have successfully setup a tank with four fish but I have a question. I see alot of talk about lighting cycle but no one is saying how long the cycle is? What is the length of the Light cycle?

Thanks

John

 

[dorkfish]

well, mine is usually 8-9, or 13 hours but anywhere between 12 and 14 hours is a respecteble lighting cycle.

 

[sapgranth25]

Really you only need a 12-14 hour long light cycle if you have corals&some inverts in your tank

but

if it`s a fish only system then 10 hours is fine....

 

[Cartman102]

Are you all talking about how long the lights should be on a day? I wouldn't go more than 10 hrs a day. Your just waiting for an algae explosion to happen. JMO

 

[Fishieness]

10-12 hours. I have my ahlides on for about 10 and my actinics on for about 12. Usualy 14 hours in on the high side.

 

[VJ&POOPS]

If it is a fish only tank, 6 hours a day is fine, and you do not need special lighting such as actinics and metal halides, regular flourscents will do at about 1-2 watts per gallon.