Pumps, filters, etc.

[Awestralian]

Just a quick one. I will have my lights on timers, but should the pumps for airbubbles, filters, and powerheads be left on 24/7 or should they switch off about the same time as the lights??

I will be keeping some corals etc, with fish and live rock.

I would gather the powerheads will have to stay on at least for the corals as the waves and tides dont stop for the night in the ocean.
Yes? no?
Hints?

Thanks!!

J

 

[VoodooChild]

Yeah, keep your lights on for 8-12 hours a day depending on what you have, but don't ever turn off the other things unless you're having big problems with something. If you're just starting up the tank, wait about 10-14 days before you turn the skimmer on so it doesn't skim the ammonia. If you do turn something off, make sure you clean it out if it's more than a few hours. All the bacteria that dies will drastically rise pollutants in the tank.

 

[Awestralian]

Excellent! Thanks

 

[Kit Walker]

Good to see another Aussie taking up saltwater! As Voodoochild said it is important to keep all equipment running 24/7. This is especially true with live rock because many organisms rely on water flow to bring them microscopic food plus oxygen. I think Sydney has a pretty good aquarium variety.