Lighting Cycle.

[ppht]

I am automating my lights. Brand new tank, I will have coral, reef and fish. I have compact flourescents. Blue 65 and 10000k whites. What length of time should the lights be on? Also does it mattter when? First thing in the morning... 10am etc..?

[kau_cinta_ku]

doesn't matter when they are on as long as they are on and off about the same time each day. as for lighting cycle here is how i have mine.
7am atanics on
8am atanics and 10k on
6pm 10k off and atanics on
7pm atanics off

my moonlights stay on all the time

[ppht]

pardon my newbieness, Atanics and moonlights? Are my 65 Blue's moonlights? or neither of those?

[kau_cinta_ku]

the 65 blues are your atanics, moon lights are just small blue led's around 1-3 watts

[ppht]

Thanks, is it worth the trouble for me to have them come on at different times?

[kau_cinta_ku]

all up to you, i do it for the effect of sunrise and sunset look

[sir_dudeguy]

its not completely nessesary, but like kau said...imo it helps give the more natural affect of sunrise and set.