8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m
I have a 36 gallon bowfront, it originally came with 1*20 watt fixture- Algae probs gallore.
I removed the hood and fixture, made a glass top and light hood that fits 4x20watt bulbs. I wanted to be on the lower end for a planted tank (2.2 watts/gal.) so I wouldnt NEED to use C02. I wanted a fairly low maint. tank. I am using lots of lower light plants and they do very well. Bought a 7 dollar timer and have it set for 8 am - 8:30 pm.. That lighting period seems to be working great for the conditions of this particular tank as I have decent growth (red tips on various types of hygo), and no undesirable algaes. I really belive that finding the right photo period for each tank is important, to combat algae.