Lighting Cycle Question

Collinrb · 11/03/2011, 07:34 AM

Hello all. So since all my experience is in FOWLR at my high school, I didn't have to worry about lighting times/cycles. Now jumping into the reef I don't have an exact schedule to go with, so haven't been able to accurately set the timer. I have an aqualight pro MH with CFL actinics. I usually turn the blues on for an hour or two then give them full light until I get home from work then back to just the blues until the sun goes down outside. I would really appreciate some advice on just a base lighting cycle to get me started in the right direction. I can fine tune it with this forum and google to my coral's likings. I just want to get my timer set up!

thegrun · 11/03/2011, 07:50 AM

When I had MH lighting I ran my actinic bulbs for 12 hours a day and the MH for 7 hours. 7 hours is about the optimum time for full daylight lighting to promote coral growth, you should stay in the 6-8 hour range. The actinics should run somewhere between 10 and 14 hours.

11/03/2011, 07:34 AM	#1
Collinrb Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Madison, CT Posts: 2,957	Lighting Cycle Question Hello all. So since all my experience is in FOWLR at my high school, I didn't have to worry about lighting times/cycles. Now jumping into the reef I don't have an exact schedule to go with, so haven't been able to accurately set the timer. I have an aqualight pro MH with CFL actinics. I usually turn the blues on for an hour or two then give them full light until I get home from work then back to just the blues until the sun goes down outside. I would really appreciate some advice on just a base lighting cycle to get me started in the right direction. I can fine tune it with this forum and google to my coral's likings. I just want to get my timer set up!

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11/03/2011, 07:50 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	When I had MH lighting I ran my actinic bulbs for 12 hours a day and the MH for 7 hours. 7 hours is about the optimum time for full daylight lighting to promote coral growth, you should stay in the 6-8 hour range. The actinics should run somewhere between 10 and 14 hours.