Lighting Schedule

[PatM]

Just read the light pollution post and read something about a 13 on 11 off lighting schedule. I only do 12 and 12, although my actinics are on 15 off 9. Is 13/11 the average?

 

[sevise]

I have T5s on 12 and MH on for 10 and 8. Hmm I never thought about how short the MH were on before. Maybe I'll make the days a little longer.

 

[austinsdad]

PCs. Daylight on 10. Actinic on 12, one hour before and after the daylight. Pat, how's your algea growth?

Do actinics effect algea growth - as in too much lighting?

 

[PatM]

I've had this lighting schedule for almost two years now and I have had very little algae problems. I scrape the glass about once a week, like most people I think, but don't have much for green algae anywhere else. I am using PC's for the main daylight cycle, 2 65 watt daylight bulbs and two 55 watt actinics, and then I also run 2 15 watt NO flourescents 15 hours a day. I like to have just the actinics on around bedtime and when I wake up just for the look I guess. Supposedly the actinics alone won't grow much for bad algaes, but the corraline algae thrives under low light. I also run my caulerpa fuge/sump 24/7.

 

[austinsdad]

I hear there are advantages both ways. Fuge 24/7 and opposite the main lighting. Some try to get the PH balance with opposite lighting. Some go for the increased macro-algae growth. I guess I don't use the actinics as long because I want them to all go to bed at a decent time. I start my shorter cyle later in the day so they can be on 'til my bedtime. I miss the morning viewing.

Sounds like you have a good system that works for you. Kinda envious of your viewing access.