Help with lighting schedule

[ShooterRick]

Got my new T5 fixture in today. 24 inch T5 and moonlights. 2 T5 12ks, 2 actinic all 24watts , 2 LED moonlights. What would be a good day night schedule to run these. Each set of 2 has its own power cord and switch. Each set of 2 T5s have there own reflector. Total watts 96. It is on a 30 inch 29 gal fowlr that I think will eventually have a nem and maybe a couple corals later. I have some macro algae on order.

Thanks for all suggestions.

 

[Retired_AF]

Interesting, since I was reading on this exact sublect today. I found a book at the library and it was showing this exact subject. The author recommended something like this, although you can alter the times if you wish to suit your personal schedule and wishes.


7:30 - 8:00 am - Blue lights only.
8:00 - 10:00 - Least bright lights
10:00 - 12:00 - Brightest lights
12:00 - 1:45 pm - Least bright lights
1:45 - 2:00 - Blue lights only
2:00 - 3:30 - NO LIGHTS to help reduce algae growth
3:30 - 4:00 - Blue lights
4:00 - 6:00 - Least bright lights
6:00 - 8:00 - Brightest lights
8:00 - 9:30 - Least bright lights
9:30 - 10:00 - Blue lights
10:00 pm - 7:30 am - No lights


His paragraph reads:
"A good method of reducing or controlling algae growth in the aquarium is to provide a midday 'siesta' period. A 5-6 hour period of lighting followed by 2 - 3 hours of no artificial light and then another 5 - 6 hours of lighting proves effective at reducing algae growth without any adverse effects on fish or plants in the aquarium. Timer switches can be used to achieve this." - Peter Hiscock, author of Aquarium Plants, book ISBN number 1-931993-54-8.

If you are growing corals, you may need to alter this. I really dont know much about the needs of corals.

Let us know what you decide.