Lighting- how much is too little/too much???

[PowermanKW]

I have been reading threads about proper photo period and shortening photo periods. Now I'm confused. Seems you can never have enough light, yet now it seems like a good idea to only run them 5 hours a day.:confused:

I just upgraded from 2x150w 10K MHs. I have 2x250w MH on e-ballast w/ Phoenix 14Ks. Plus 2x96w PC w/ one act 03 and one 10K. I'm trying to figure out a resonable photo period.

I was using a AC Jr. pre programed light period. The PCs comming on and then the halides running 2.5 hours less. I cut the new halides back to 6 hours for the corals to get used to them. I mainly have LPS.

So I wanted more light, but now some seem to think less is better refering to saturation and photo inhibition. Yet there are a ton of variance in what one person does and the equipment they have to the next.

What is your input?

[PowermanKW]

^^^

[redfishsc]

What you have is enough light but not overdone (except for when you get your electric bill ;) ).

You can grow SPS and clams under that light setup.


I personally think your previous lighting would be fine for a 90 except for way down low, which would be fine even still for a lot of softies and LPS. I'm thinking of mushrooms, caulastrea, etc....



I would only run the halides for 6-7 hours a day, long term. Use the PC's for maybe 9-10 hours, mostly for viewing. If you want some extra "white" light for viewing you can easily put a cheap screw-socket compact flourescent daylight bulb (13-26 watt) from Lowe's over the tank and set it to come on with your PC's.

[PowermanKW]

I'm a rookie and have some learning to do. I mainly have LPS now, but do want SPS too. Not SPS dominate, but I do like some. Maybe a clam. An Anemone if I get my tank right. So I do have aspirations....

All the stuff I have read on photo periods before was just hours a day. Now it seems that it is much more complicated and I should not run my moon lights all night and less is more ..... Just gets confusing.

And I do research stuff and I know to take the web with a grain of salt, but it seems light is the most complicated aspect in reef keeping.

Just looking for input.

[weaselslucks]

I think it also depends on the coral that you want.some chalices want low light wich could be t5's half way up the tank for one set up but under a lege for another.lots of corals will grow in many different lighting set ups but look totally diferent in each one

[jpfelix]

if you can't see in the tank, you don't have enough. if you've burned out your retinas, you have too much (and/or you're a complete moron).

[PowermanKW]

^^^Thanks, that narrows it down. :)

I do have ledges/over hangs on the right side of my tank, so I have some shady areas for just about anything. The right side is more "stadium seating", so plenty of light for most.

I have 4 LED moon lights in my fixture. I always assumed it didn't bother my inhabitants. However, should I turn them off and give some total darkness?