How long should my lights be on?

[HiJaC]

Hi,

I've been running all my tanks on 8 hours light.

Is this right? Are there any "golden rules" in regard to how long you should leave your lights on for best plant growth/algae prevention.

Currently i have -

43G corner planted tank with about 2 wpg (HOT5's with reflectors).
20G tall with about 1 or less wpg
1G shrimp tank with 9 wpg and weaping moss

Thanks,

Jac

 

[rkilling1]

8 to 10 hours is a good length.

There are no 'golden rules', but most people stay in the 8 to 10 hour range. Some run theirs for 12 and other for 6, so it's really up to you.

 

[HiJaC]

8 to 10 hours is a good length.

There are no 'golden rules', but most people stay in the 8 to 10 hour range. Some run theirs for 12 and other for 6, so it's really up to you.

would i wrong in the assumptio0n that longer light duration = more plant growth?

 

[rkilling1]

8 to 10 hours is a good length.

There are no 'golden rules', but most people stay in the 8 to 10 hour range. Some run theirs for 12 and other for 6, so it's really up to you.

would i wrong in the assumptio0n that longer light duration = more plant growth?

There comes a point when the photo period is no longer needed for the plants and then that gives algae a time to grow. Normally, the higher the light level, the lower your period should be. Having lower lighted tanks, I don't think you will run into too much trouble if you want to increase your photo period.

I would just watch the tank and see what the algae is doing and adjust accordingly