T5 4-lamp lighting times

[mdeleon1]

I'm going to be ordering a T5 4-lamp fixture (2-10k, 2-actinic & lunar LEDs).

I do have a power strip with digital timer.

What times should I set the different lighting for?

I currently do not have any livestock but will be adding first fish next weekend, probably 3 Chromies.

thx in advance

[Sisterlimonpot]

I'd say 6-8 hours for the 10k and 8-10 hours for the actinics.
Although if you haven't already peered them I would rethink the 10k lights and suppliment them with blue plus to get a better color.

[J2T]

I have 2 10ks and 2 actinic at the moment, the LFS owner said I should try 1 10k, 2 blue and 1 purple. He said it really looks good. Might give it a go.

[mdeleon1]

So whatever combo i go, between the 3 lights, what times to start & end my timer cycles for each?

10k - start/end time?
Actinic/blue - start/end time?
Lunar - start/end time?

[jbell370]

10k - 8-5
420/460 - 7-7
moon - 7-3

That is what works for me.

[ugluk]

Like the earlier poster said 8-10 hours on the actinics and 6-8 hours on the 10k with the actinics being on an hour before and after the 10k goes on for the dusk/dawn effect. The time to start and end depends on you. Since I am not home to see the tank during the day I have the lights on till 10:30 so I can look at it when I am home in the evening. Just make it whenever is best for you to view it.

[crvz]

I have run much more conservatively in the past, with the actinic on for 8 hours and the daylights on for about 4. It really depends on the effectiveness of the lights and the need of the corals. There's not a formula that dictates on/off times, just play with them and see how the tank responds.

[mdeleon1]

Will only be housing fish, snails,shrimp, crabs for now. Mostly for the kids and I to view active community during the day and night times. Maybe a year from now, I'll try some softies and anemones.