lights

[Robin Alv]

I bought lights to set up a reef aquarium. I only have three corals so far and 2 clownfish (and 5 snails). It's a 37 gallon. Anyway, do I keep all the lights on for the 10-12 hours or just the daylight sometimes? Also, do I need to keep the "moonlight" nightlite on all night or is it just for show?
Robin

 

[kev1964]

what lights are they and the norm for main lights is approx 8 hours

 

[Amphiprion]

Either of those is fine with fluorescents. Pretty much anywhere from 8-10 hours is typical. The moonlights are just for show and nighttime observation. They don't really serve a purpose beyond that.

 

[Robin Alv]

Thanks for the responses. Now I know I can cut back a bit on the lights (even my snails can't keep up with brown algae!) as the tank matures.
robin

 

[Robin Alv]

The lights are one 65 watt Truce Actinic 03 blue (compact)
one 65 watt 10,000 daylight (compact)
two 3/4 watt luna blue moon LEDs.
These are in a 37 gallon.
rob

 

[Dustin83]

Hey Robin.

On a sidenote, if the tank is relatively new (i apologize if this is not the case), the brown algae is likely diatom and it will eventually go away anyways.

 

[Robin Alv]

It is pretty new - only 3 weeks! I got a few conehead snails and they are doing a great job -- they eat constantly.
Robin

 

[Grins]

That counts as new, and yes the diatoms would be natural.

 

[Robin Alv]

Yep. A few more diatoms on the glass but much more in control now. Thought I was going to have a brown tank from top to bottom for a couple of days.

 

[Grins]

It is probably the most unattractive time of any tank, but we all go through it.