Reef Lighting cycle

jrodmunz · 04/05/2008, 10:47 AM

I have a 50 gallon reef and just got some new lights...

Previously I was using all PCs, 2 10000k and 2 actinic (the ugly ones that show more purple) Actinics came on 30 minutes before the 10000k. I was then given a 250 watt ballast, by a fellow reefer in the area, and replaced the 10000k with that.

I have sinced changed to the 20k DE Ushio, and love it and have added more to my reef because now i have the lighting for it! Actinics don't make a bit of difference. So i stopped using them. I got some of those current lunar leds that you mount to the canopy and those are very cool as well. So the new lighting cycle is halide on at 10:30 am off at 10:30 pm, LED on at 10:30 pm off at 10:30 am...........

So finally to my question...I have two 48" pc retrofits and a whole gang of bulbs, and I was wondering if it would be ok to have a new lighting setup as follows...

LED off 10:30 am, PC 50/50 120w on at 10:30, mh 250w on at 11, mh 250 w off at 10, PC 50//50 120 w off at 10:30, LED on at 10:30 pm

????? Benefits, and downfalls? All and any input is appreciated!! Oh yeah, reef is primarily lps, softies, zoos, and a deresa clam!

Thanks,

Jarod

Toddrtrex · 04/05/2008, 12:46 PM

Personally I would have the MH come on later in the day, think that 11 hours is a bit long. Mine come on around 3 and off at 11, and I am having great results. Your corals won't need that much light, plus your tank will run cooler and you'll save some money.

Also, you can adjust the times to match up with when you are home.

04/05/2008, 10:47 AM	#1
jrodmunz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Simi Valley, California Posts: 26	Reef Lighting cycle I have a 50 gallon reef and just got some new lights... Previously I was using all PCs, 2 10000k and 2 actinic (the ugly ones that show more purple) Actinics came on 30 minutes before the 10000k. I was then given a 250 watt ballast, by a fellow reefer in the area, and replaced the 10000k with that. I have sinced changed to the 20k DE Ushio, and love it and have added more to my reef because now i have the lighting for it! Actinics don't make a bit of difference. So i stopped using them. I got some of those current lunar leds that you mount to the canopy and those are very cool as well. So the new lighting cycle is halide on at 10:30 am off at 10:30 pm, LED on at 10:30 pm off at 10:30 am........... So finally to my question...I have two 48" pc retrofits and a whole gang of bulbs, and I was wondering if it would be ok to have a new lighting setup as follows... LED off 10:30 am, PC 50/50 120w on at 10:30, mh 250w on at 11, mh 250 w off at 10, PC 50//50 120 w off at 10:30, LED on at 10:30 pm ????? Benefits, and downfalls? All and any input is appreciated!! Oh yeah, reef is primarily lps, softies, zoos, and a deresa clam! Thanks, Jarod

04/05/2008, 12:46 PM	#2
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	Personally I would have the MH come on later in the day, think that 11 hours is a bit long. Mine come on around 3 and off at 11, and I am having great results. Your corals won't need that much light, plus your tank will run cooler and you'll save some money. Also, you can adjust the times to match up with when you are home. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef