Newbie with question

jimbo753 · 04/01/2008, 11:26 AM

Hi all, I am new to this hobby and I'm happy to be part of a site where I can get tips and ideas on a hobby I wanted to do for so long but never had the time.

My set up is a 90 gal megaflow with a model 3 megflow sump. I am going to stick with just fish while I'm still in the learning process, I don't want to rush into things.

Now for my question:
I've been doing alot of reading and research and although I've read of the many different lighting setups I haven't read anything on how long the lights should be kept on. If somebody can fill me in on this it, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks, Jim

Mr James · 04/01/2008, 11:29 AM

To Reef Central

Hey, it's your first post. Welcome!! I am sure you will find everything you ever wanted to know plus more here at RC. I have!!

Mr James · 04/01/2008, 11:31 AM

oops...your question. For fish only, I would run the lights for 9 hours or less.

papagimp · 04/01/2008, 11:31 AM

It'll vary, but on average, around 8-10hours. Personall, I keep my actinic lighting on for around 10hours a day while my "white" lights are only on for 7 hours. I've seen some go higher, some lower but starting around 8-10 would probably be fine.

Now keep in mind that the fish really don't care one way or the other. Photoperiods are more important when dealing with photosythetic speceis, such as corals and whanot. Also some nocturnal specimens will appreciate an appropriate time to come out and play. And then you'll run into some behavorial patterns that may require an appropriate amount of lighting. But as mentioned, for fish only, just put em on long enough for you to enjoy the tank, just don't leave em on 24/7 or anything, that'll help fuel unwanted algae growth.

Michael · 04/01/2008, 11:32 AM

yeah welcome to reef central jimbo, click on the thread at the top of the forum for new to the hobby, lots of info there for you to look at, good luck jimbo good luck

Mr James · 04/01/2008, 11:34 AM

You may also want to look into other reefers in your area. See HERE for a list of reef clubs in your area. Hooking up with local reefers is another benefit of RC and all that has to offer here.

rbursek · 04/01/2008, 11:40 AM

Go over to the Chem forum and READ Randy's articles on water Chemistry. Are you going to have Live Rock in there?

D to the P · 04/01/2008, 11:43 AM

depends on the lighting set up, but most of the modern ones will allow you to turn on the actinics seperately from the daylights. If that is the case then I would recommend turning on the actinics for one hour before you want to be able to view your fish, so they can slowly adjust to the lighting, and then have your daylights turn on for about 8 hours with the actinics still on ofcourse. Then the daylights go off, actinics stay on for another hour, then they turn off and if you system has moonlights, then this would be a good time for them to switch on. The important thing to remember is consistancy.

jimbo753 · 04/01/2008, 12:04 PM

Thank you all for the quick responce....................

04/01/2008, 11:26 AM	#1
jimbo753 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 10	Newbie with question Hi all, I am new to this hobby and I'm happy to be part of a site where I can get tips and ideas on a hobby I wanted to do for so long but never had the time. My set up is a 90 gal megaflow with a model 3 megflow sump. I am going to stick with just fish while I'm still in the learning process, I don't want to rush into things. Now for my question: I've been doing alot of reading and research and although I've read of the many different lighting setups I haven't read anything on how long the lights should be kept on. If somebody can fill me in on this it, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, Jim

04/01/2008, 11:31 AM	#4
papagimp COMAS Rocks! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 8,185 Blog Entries: 2	It'll vary, but on average, around 8-10hours. Personall, I keep my actinic lighting on for around 10hours a day while my "white" lights are only on for 7 hours. I've seen some go higher, some lower but starting around 8-10 would probably be fine. Now keep in mind that the fish really don't care one way or the other. Photoperiods are more important when dealing with photosythetic speceis, such as corals and whanot. Also some nocturnal specimens will appreciate an appropriate time to come out and play. And then you'll run into some behavorial patterns that may require an appropriate amount of lighting. But as mentioned, for fish only, just put em on long enough for you to enjoy the tank, just don't leave em on 24/7 or anything, that'll help fuel unwanted algae growth. __________________ 58g Softie & 75g Stoney Member, Central Oklahoma Marine Aquarium Society Current Tank Info: 58g Mixed Reef Project - Started June 2011

04/01/2008, 11:32 AM	#5
Michael NTTH Rookie Help Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Gloucester, England,UK Posts: 7,808 Blog Entries: 6	yeah welcome to reef central jimbo, click on the thread at the top of the forum for new to the hobby, lots of info there for you to look at, good luck jimbo good luck __________________ Don't be afraid to ask questions, we in the new to the hobby are here to help you [For My Tank Spec,Photo Album,Articles and website, click on my name] MY Very Kindest and Warmest Regards , MIKE Current Tank Info: I have a 92 gal Corner Tank, and way too many pieces of equipment to list really, (proud member of the reef central corner club)

04/01/2008, 11:43 AM	#8
D to the P Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Amishville, USA Posts: 2,047	depends on the lighting set up, but most of the modern ones will allow you to turn on the actinics seperately from the daylights. If that is the case then I would recommend turning on the actinics for one hour before you want to be able to view your fish, so they can slowly adjust to the lighting, and then have your daylights turn on for about 8 hours with the actinics still on ofcourse. Then the daylights go off, actinics stay on for another hour, then they turn off and if you system has moonlights, then this would be a good time for them to switch on. The important thing to remember is consistancy. __________________ Nature V.S. Nurture: Nature Always Wins. Current Tank Info: 12 gallon Aquapod reef with LED's, multiple nano's at work.

04/01/2008, 12:04 PM	#9
jimbo753 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 10	Thanks..... Thank you all for the quick responce....................

04/01/2008, 11:29 AM	#2
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	*To Reef Central* Hey, it's your first post. Welcome!! I am sure you will find everything you ever wanted to know plus more here at RC. I have!!

04/01/2008, 11:34 AM	#6
Mr James Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 6,192	You may also want to look into other reefers in your area. See HERE for a list of reef clubs in your area. Hooking up with local reefers is another benefit of RC and all that has to offer here.

04/01/2008, 11:40 AM	#7
rbursek Moved On Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: germantown,wi Posts: 2,339	Go over to the Chem forum and READ Randy's articles on water Chemistry. Are you going to have Live Rock in there?