Another lighting question ;)

[catmel]

Just got my new fixture this weekend and will be setting it up today. Its a 492 watt PC / metal halide combo with lunar lights.

My question being, do you typically ( I have no coral in there at the moment) leave the PC and Metal Halides on for the typical lighting peroid? ( I ususally have mine on from about 10:30am - 8:30pm) and then have the lunar lights on? Or do you have one or the other ( PC or MH) on longer or shorter amount of time? I know MH can run warm.

It seems like I will probably have to get a few more timers LOL

Also since I got it used, the plastic over one of the PC bulbs is cracked. Do I need to replace this? if So whats the best way to? I havent seen any replacement covers online.

Thanks for the help, I'm excited to set it up
Pictures to follow when I get the lights on!

 

[Devilishturtles]

You can do either way really. It might be best, especially at first, to do PC on first, then MH on, then MH off, then PC off. I know that's how a lot of people on here do theirs.

As far as the crack goes, if you think water can get into it I would look into replacing it. If it's pretty far away from the water I wouldn't worry about it personally.

Congrats on the light upgrade

 

[roka64]

I agree with Lindsay. I used to run my lights 30 mins apart, but I get a slight power outtage about once a month and just ended up putting them on the same time. From the lighting I have seen, the LED stay on al the time and are canceled out by the other lights.
Hmmm, you get a lot of evaporation, so I (me personally) would replace the cover. If you can't find one for sale, get a shop around you to custom fit/cut one for you...But remember, I generally err on the side of caution.

 

[catmel]

Sounds good, thanks for the help