View Full Version : marine/reef tank
ChrisCartwright
04/11/2015, 09:53 AM
Hi i have got my tank up and running I was just wondering when would be ideal to start adding the lighting?
I have done my first water change on the systerm today.
cloak
04/11/2015, 10:06 AM
It doesn't really matter IMO. You can fire them up from the start, or you can wait 2 or 3 months and then purchase your lights. It's your choice.
hobbzz
04/11/2015, 10:08 AM
I agree. Until you start adding fish you don't really need them. And even then, if it's in a room that has enough ambient light to wake the fish up and keep them awake during the day, you could even wait a little longer. But if you already have them there's really no reason to wait.
ChrisCartwright
04/11/2015, 10:25 AM
I have got the light unit the tank has been running for 3 days I am just adding the lights by 1 hour or so a day is that ok?
My previous tank I have them on the full light cycle from a week after setting up the tank what would be best?
hobbzz
04/11/2015, 10:33 AM
So the tank's only been running for three days? You're not through the cycle yet?
ChrisCartwright
04/11/2015, 10:47 AM
I now it's only the beginning but do you think I should add the light about 2 hours a day?
Also I'm using live sand with lr
hobbzz
04/11/2015, 10:51 AM
If you're not through the cycle yet there's really no benefit. It may just add to a diatom bloom.
ChrisCartwright
04/11/2015, 10:52 AM
Ok I will leave it odd until I'm through the cycle
CStrickland
04/11/2015, 10:56 AM
I ran my lights during the cycle. I think it got some of the diatoms out of the way early and I wasn't nervous that algae would take off when I turned them on. I don't think you need to, but I generally like the idea of running things the same from the beginning, rather than making a change later. Like you, I changed my water during the cycle too. The only downside I see to the lights is the electric bill, and maybe having some green before the tank is ready for a cuc, but you can always turn them off if it starts to go sideways.
If you're gonna use them I don't think you need to worry about increasing them slowly by a few hours a day. Just my 2 cents, I only finished my cycle a couple months ago.
ChrisCartwright
04/11/2015, 11:09 AM
Ok thanks I will see how it goes then I will turn them off if things go sideways like you say.
I am getting some green algae on the rocks and they have been there from day one plus I've got a 850ltr tank.
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