Proper lighting times???

[Rosesrblu1]

Hi everyone,

I am trying to get some advice of the proper amount of time to have my lights going. My current set up is a 54g corner tank with 1 Radion LED fixture, currently sitting 1.5 inches above thank elevated on the glass cover (haven't decided on how I am mounting the light yet, from ceiling or build a shelf above to hang). I have the lights on from 11am tom11pm in natural mode of the Radions set at 40%. My current stock list is a fox coral (acquired today) in the lower front corner for indirect light, star polyp, branching torch, watermelon mushroom, pink/beige mushroom, ORA Ric, sympodium polyp, and 2 different species of zoa's.

I thought the 12 hour cycle was moderate, as the intensity was low, but one of the guys at the Lfs said I should be doing 3-4 hours max? Is this right? With the exception of the fox coral, only acquired today, the rest of the stock seem to be doing well and extending/opening nicely in the time I have had the light, only a week. Also, the creatures were all under different LED fixtures at the stores when purchased.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[AquaRick]

I think you're fine at that level. I have a radion over a 60 cube. I have my lights set from 8am to 11pm. My ramp ups are very gradual. They're only at the maximum setting for about 3 hours (75%).

I think maybe the LFS was saying to have them at your max setting (whatever % that would be) for 3-4 hours. I don't really agree to be honest. With proper acclimation, you can keep them on at your max setting for longer.

 

[Rosesrblu1]

Thanks Rick! I have the natural mode set at 40% max and a 30% of cloud cover and storms. It's a pretty cool feature and I like it. Just wish you,could replicate the lunar cycle...that would be awesome...

 

[AquaRick]

The rep I spoke with at my LFS said they may have an update for that by year's end. Personally I can't wait for their next update when the software will be on a web based platform. Looking forward to updating my lights using my smartphone.

 

[Rosesrblu1]

That would be awesome! They're customer service is great, but for the price of the fixtures, it should be . The indicator light on my brand new fixture was faulty and they sent me a brand new one out same day. The new one is perfect!

Thanks

 

[AquaRick]

Nice! Have you tried setting up your own schedule or are you going to stick to natural mode?