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02/23/2012, 05:59 PM | #1 |
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how long should I keep lights on for reef tank?
I just got the rfk1 and wanted to set it up for how long to keep my lights on for. I have a 6 bulb t5 fixture with sps, zoas, and lps. How long should I keep the lights on for? Right now, I turn my actinics on at 1030am and off at 7pm. the daylights turn on at 11am and off at 630pm.
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02/23/2012, 06:53 PM | #2 |
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my main lights are on for 8hrs a day. my actinics are on for an hour each before and after their on/off.
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-Eric Tank: 75gallon mixed reef w/ 30gal sump//Asm G3 Protein Skimmer//2x 250w Reef Optix HQI Pendants//2x 110w VHO super actinics// Vortech MP40W and Koralia Evo1400//Quiet one 5000 Return Pump Current Tank Info: 75gal mixed reef build |
02/23/2012, 06:59 PM | #3 |
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I have LEDs and can keep them on to 10 hours from actinic to high noon from 1-8 pm, I know its overkill but my sps really dont mind it.
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02/23/2012, 07:12 PM | #4 |
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I have my main lights on from 11pm to 7pm and actinics on for half an hr before and after. Should I change the actinics to an hr or extend the hours of my main lights or am I fine with this?
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02/23/2012, 08:15 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
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Why did I start this addictive hobby???????? Its not like I didn't have anything better to do. Link to my DIY HOB Fuge for 4 gallon tank http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1971283 Current Tank Info: 75gal fresh 4 Gallon Pico |
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02/23/2012, 08:17 PM | #6 |
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haha I meant 11AM to 7PM.
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02/23/2012, 08:27 PM | #7 |
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I run my 2 blues from 10:30-9:30 and my main lights from 11:30-8:30
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02/23/2012, 08:33 PM | #8 |
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I have an 8 bulb over a mixed reef, mostly LPS, Zs and Ps, 90 GAL. My actinics turn on at 10:45AM and shut off at 10:15PM. Daylights come on at 12:30PM and shut off at 8:15PM.
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02/23/2012, 09:16 PM | #9 |
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So am I okay with my time or should extend it?
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02/23/2012, 09:39 PM | #10 |
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Imo I think you should extend your actinics maybe a little
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02/23/2012, 09:51 PM | #11 |
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Do you think an hour before and after the main daylights is enough instead of the 30 mins or should I do it longer?
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02/23/2012, 09:58 PM | #12 |
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That's good I would say. If you can maybe a little longer. I know people who do the actinics for like 3 hours before turning the daylights on. I guess at the end of the day it's preferance. . .
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02/23/2012, 10:15 PM | #13 |
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I will start with an hour before and after daylights and work my way from there. Thanks.
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02/24/2012, 08:49 AM | #14 |
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yes I agree, actinics are about two hours for me, one hour before and after main lights.
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