how long to keep lights in?

[bigben2057]

Is 14 hours too long for lights to be on?

 

[mr_X]

Yes, I believe so. I would not keep them on more than 12.

 

[bigben2057]

Ok im gonna cut them back to 10 and see if that stops the algae from growing so much.

 

[SWSCJ]

If the algae is growing, cutting back is not going to stop the growth. What's your work crew consist of?

 

[bigben2057]

i had some cyano and used chemiclean and its gone now but i want too keep it gone. I dont feed that much and have 2 turbos 3 Margarita, 1 hermit, and a sand sift star.

 

[SWSCJ]

Tank size?

 

[bigben2057]

30 gal

 

[Octavio]

Is 14 hours too long for lights to be on?

I keep them on from 7am to 9pm 14hrs no prob

 

[SWSCJ]

Smaller tanks can be finicky. Frequent water changes. Check out The Detritus Attack Packs on Liveaquaria.

 

[mr_X]

I keep them on from 7am to 9pm 14hrs no prob

You don't need that long a photoperiod. It's a waste of electricity, lamps, and can effect livestock.

 

[bigben2057]

ok so i guess ill stick to 10 hours ?

 

[SWSCJ]

In the Caribbean the Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk light cycle averages about 13h 41m.

In my tank the T5 Actinics run 6am - 2pm, MHs 2pm - 6pm, back to T5 Actinics 6pm - 8:30pm
Moonlights 8:30pm - 6am

My tank flourishes. My corals are healthy and my fish are healthy. I get to enjoy my tank in the evenings, that's why I have it. Good filtration, water changes, and giving your tank the attention that's required is key.
Tanks have personality.

 

[Octavio]

In the Caribbean the Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk light cycle averages about 13h 41m.

In my tank the T5 Actinics run 6am - 2pm, MHs 2pm - 6pm, back to T5 Actinics 6pm - 8:30pm
Moonlights 8:30pm - 6am

My tank flourishes. My corals are healthy and my fish are healthy. I get to enjoy my tank in the evenings, that's why I have it. Good filtration, water changes, and giving your tank the attention that's required is key.
Tanks have personality.

I completely agree

 

[bavass]

if you have algae its probably more of a nutrient issue rather than a light issue

 

[Fish-guy]

In the Caribbean the Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk light cycle averages about 13h 41m.

In my tank the T5 Actinics run 6am - 2pm, MHs 2pm - 6pm, back to T5 Actinics 6pm - 8:30pm
Moonlights 8:30pm - 6am

My tank flourishes. My corals are healthy and my fish are healthy. I get to enjoy my tank in the evenings, that's why I have it. Good filtration, water changes, and giving your tank the attention that's required is key.
Tanks have personality.

That's a great light schedule. I'm going to try that as well.

 

[Crazycajun]

In the Caribbean the Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk light cycle averages about 13h 41m.

In my tank the T5 Actinics run 6am - 2pm, MHs 2pm - 6pm, back to T5 Actinics 6pm - 8:30pm
Moonlights 8:30pm - 6am

My tank flourishes. My corals are healthy and my fish are healthy. I get to enjoy my tank in the evenings, that's why I have it. Good filtration, water changes, and giving your tank the attention that's required is key.
Tanks have personality.

What are you using for moonlights? I would like to put some but I think the blue LEDs I have is too bright.

 

[SWSCJ]

The moonlights I have are built in the Hamilton light fixture. I have a 6' Cebu.

 

[carey]

On all my tanks I run my blues from 9 am then my whites come on at 10am. The whites go off at 8 pm and the blues off at 10pm. That schedule works for all my tank, coral or not and I have no algae issues at all. I've considered cutting back my whites even, so excessive light isnt usually necessary unless you have the corals adjusted to it I guess. lol

 

[Crazycajun]

I have been having a problem feeding my lps. Seems like I can never see when the tenticals are out. I have only been running my blues for one hour. 2-8 all on 8-9 blues only then all off. Do you think I would need to leave my blues on longer to help this? My closed brain and chilli coral are my problems.

 

[bavass]

Some feed at night. Take a look late at night early morning and see if they are out then.