What should my light cycle be?

mnestroy · 03/21/2007, 11:31 PM

I have a 40Breeder, RBTA Dead center (up high), LTA (side/low) and zoo's all over.

I have an outter orbit 36' with 150W 14k Phoenix Halide and 2 PC 96 Watt bulbs (one if staight Atinic, other is 10k bulb)

1. What type of cycle do you think should have these on. How many hrs a day (I can turn Halide on separately from PC's)

2. Should I switch out my 10k (96watt PC) and put in an Actinic? I put the 10 in cause i felt the 150w Halide wasn't kicking off enough light, but maybe I am giving to much light.

3. Do Actinic lose there spectrum like a normal light bulb?

Thanks

PatMayo · 03/21/2007, 11:43 PM

Actinics will lose there full spectrum before the MH. I replace mine every 6 months. My MH I will replace every year.

I don't know about too much light. As for the length of time I would try to keep it as close to normal as possible. I would think 8 to 10 hours is plenty. My actinics turn on at noon and my MH turn on at 1 pm. The MH 's then turn off at 10 pm and actinics off at 11 pm.

Works great for my tank.

You may have to play with it awhile and see how your corals etc. react to the light and adjust accordingly.

Regards,

Pat

mnestroy · 03/22/2007, 06:59 AM

So do u think the 150Halide with just 2 (96watt actinics would e okay? or should i have ofne of those bulbs be a 10k)

I like the look of the 150 + 192watts of Actinics, but I'm afraid that its not providing enough light for my RBTA.

PatMayo · 03/22/2007, 12:54 PM

You may want to ask in the lighting forum. There are some real experts there. I think it would be enough light.

Regards,

Pat

03/21/2007, 11:31 PM	#1
mnestroy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 2,216	What should my light cycle be? I have a 40Breeder, RBTA Dead center (up high), LTA (side/low) and zoo's all over. I have an outter orbit 36' with 150W 14k Phoenix Halide and 2 PC 96 Watt bulbs (one if staight Atinic, other is 10k bulb) 1. What type of cycle do you think should have these on. How many hrs a day (I can turn Halide on separately from PC's) 2. Should I switch out my 10k (96watt PC) and put in an Actinic? I put the 10 in cause i felt the 150w Halide wasn't kicking off enough light, but maybe I am giving to much light. 3. Do Actinic lose there spectrum like a normal light bulb? Thanks

03/21/2007, 11:43 PM	#2
PatMayo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,843	Actinics will lose there full spectrum before the MH. I replace mine every 6 months. My MH I will replace every year. I don't know about too much light. As for the length of time I would try to keep it as close to normal as possible. I would think 8 to 10 hours is plenty. My actinics turn on at noon and my MH turn on at 1 pm. The MH 's then turn off at 10 pm and actinics off at 11 pm. Works great for my tank. You may have to play with it awhile and see how your corals etc. react to the light and adjust accordingly. Regards, Pat __________________ 90 AGA Megaflow (Setup 1-24-06) 120 Lbs. Liverock EuroReef RS 100 Skimmer 2 X 150 MH 2 X 96 watt PC Actinic 2 Clarki Clowns (31 months old) 1 Niger Trigger (Owned 6 months) 2 Tunze 6055 PH Current Tank Info: 90 AGA Megaflow To Be Mixed Reef

03/22/2007, 12:54 PM	#4
PatMayo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,843	You may want to ask in the lighting forum. There are some real experts there. I think it would be enough light. Regards, Pat __________________ 90 AGA Megaflow (Setup 1-24-06) 120 Lbs. Liverock EuroReef RS 100 Skimmer 2 X 150 MH 2 X 96 watt PC Actinic 2 Clarki Clowns (31 months old) 1 Niger Trigger (Owned 6 months) 2 Tunze 6055 PH Current Tank Info: 90 AGA Megaflow To Be Mixed Reef

03/22/2007, 06:59 AM	#3
mnestroy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 2,216	So do u think the 150Halide with just 2 (96watt actinics would e okay? or should i have ofne of those bulbs be a 10k) I like the look of the 150 + 192watts of Actinics, but I'm afraid that its not providing enough light for my RBTA.