anyone run lights on a double schedule

lwolfe44 · 03/13/2010, 09:47 AM

i am wondering the pros or cons of running my mh lights for 3 hours from say 10 am to 1 pm then leave actinics on from 1 pm to 4 pm then back to mh from 4 pm to 7 pm.
only drawback i can see is the on/off wearing out the bulbs

jbrown11352 · 03/13/2010, 10:01 AM

I run my T5's from 4am to 9 am and 4pm to 9pm. After reading up on it the experts say that growth of zooxanthellae algae occurs during the period of illumination and lasts 8-9hrs with a peak at 2.5-4 hrs after lights are on.

username in use · 03/13/2010, 10:02 AM

Its not a very natural cycle for the corals. There could very well be some problems with it in terms of long term health and growth of the corals.

lwolfe44 · 03/13/2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbrown11352

I run my T5's from 4am to 9 am and 4pm to 9pm. After reading up on it the experts say that growth of zooxanthellae algae occurs during the period of illumination and lasts 8-9hrs with a peak at 2.5-4 hrs after lights are on.

so if doing this it is best to leave the lights on for the 4hrs to reach the peak growth period?

jbrown11352 · 03/13/2010, 08:02 PM

Thats what the experts claim. I'm experimenting with it now. So far (1 month) my PE has been excellent and colors are great!

03/13/2010, 09:47 AM	#1
lwolfe44 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: palmyra pa Posts: 104	anyone run lights on a double schedule i am wondering the pros or cons of running my mh lights for 3 hours from say 10 am to 1 pm then leave actinics on from 1 pm to 4 pm then back to mh from 4 pm to 7 pm. only drawback i can see is the on/off wearing out the bulbs

03/13/2010, 10:02 AM	#3
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	Its not a very natural cycle for the corals. There could very well be some problems with it in terms of long term health and growth of the corals. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

03/13/2010, 10:01 AM	#2
jbrown11352 Moved On Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Canyon Lake ,Ca Posts: 1,171	I run my T5's from 4am to 9 am and 4pm to 9pm. After reading up on it the experts say that growth of zooxanthellae algae occurs during the period of illumination and lasts 8-9hrs with a peak at 2.5-4 hrs after lights are on.

03/13/2010, 08:02 PM	#5
jbrown11352 Moved On Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Canyon Lake ,Ca Posts: 1,171	Thats what the experts claim. I'm experimenting with it now. So far (1 month) my PE has been excellent and colors are great!