if i wanted to change my freshwater 36g

[Ibrahim]

What is the best lighting schedule?

10-12hrs usually first hour is blues, hrs 2-11 are white and blue and the 12th hr is blue

 

[Torrie]

Ok thanks..

 

[jwalsh]

It depends. When cycling none at all. You can cover it with a towel so no light gets in. This will prevent algea and diatoms from growing while cycling. Once up and going with livestock I turn my actinics on at 9am then 10000k on at 1030am then metal halide on from 12 until 6pm then 10000k off at 7pm and actinics off at 9 then the moonlights come on. I have cords for all 3 sets of my lights so they are all on different timers but if you have an all in one I had on at 9 and off at 9 some people will say more some will say less its all preferance

 

[Torrie]

Ok thanks I will take all the advice i can get and thank you for the advice..

 

[Torrie]

Another question I have if you were suppose to reduce your lighting because of algae, what would you reduce it by? I just want to be prepared..

 

[Ibrahim]

Another question I have if you were suppose to reduce your lighting because of algae, what would you reduce it by? I just want to be prepared..

Reduce to 3-6hrs

 

[mr_X]

It would depend if you have corals. I wouldn't run the lights less than 6 hours if so.
Plus, you shouldn't have algae problems if you are maintaining the tank properly. Feeding moderately and doing water changes to remove nutrients and replace trace elements will keep the algae away.

 

[jwalsh]

It would depend if you have corals. I wouldn't run the lights less than 6 hours if so.
Plus, you shouldn't have algae problems if you are maintaining the tank properly. Feeding moderately and doing water changes to remove nutrients and replace trace elements will keep the algae away.

+1 I stopped having algea issues after my tank stabilized at about 2 months after I started it. I still get film algea a little which is fine it gives my snails something to eat. But it never gets out of control

 

[Torrie]

How many snails will I need?

 

[jwalsh]

I have 8 in my 29gal and they do a pretty good job so maybe 10 to 12

 

[Mpfaff77]

Start like Half of what you think you need. I say add 5 or so for now. Can always add more. You don't want to over add and have them starve.

 

[mr_X]

How many snails will I need?

Add a few because you like to look at them, but you don't need any snails.

 

[WinstonPVaughn]

How many snails will I need?

How big is your tank, ma'am?

 

[Mpfaff77]

How big is your tank, ma'am?

Check thread title.

 

[Torrie]

What is the best lighting for corals and anomones

 

[carey]

Depends on the tank and what you want to keep. Anemones require intense lighting and really should not be housed in a new setup.

As far as what's best, it's matter of opinion. I happen to like t5's alot and also like LED's, not a big fan of Metal halides though some people swear by them.