how much light again?

[fastfly48]

Hi all...and everyone else.

I just realized that I should probably have more of a routine...actually, lets just say i should have a routine with my lighting times.

I just turn them on when I wake up and turn them off when I go to bed, problem is those times vary ALOT! I've tried a light timer...but none of them seem to be able to turn my aquarium lights on...they can turn them off fine tho...*grummbles*

So anyways, I forget how long you should leave your light on and off for...can't seem to find it in the stickys...but I'm a horrible looker (the kind of person that finds it hard to FIND things, not the other )

I have 40 watts over 20 gallons, that gives me medium light yeh?
I've also got pressurized Co2....leave it on 24/7
What's the best amount of time I should leave my light on for the best plant growth?
My light has two globes, each 20 watts, so I can turn one on and one off if I like too...

Many thanks
Ry.

 

[JDogg]

might be better in planted forum

i give mt plants 10 hour of light

 

[Devilishturtles]

Moved to planted forum.

 

[Purrbox]

The general rule of thumb is between 8-12 hours.

The fact that your light won't turn on using a timer sounds like a problem with either the ballast or the starter. I know that some of the older fixtures wouldn't work with timers. More details on your light and we might be able to figure out what needs fixing.

 

[evercl92]

What I've done with my lights is stagger when they turn on and off. I have 2 sets of lights, set A is 160 wts from regular household shoplights from walmart /home depot. Set B is 260 wt Coralife. Set A comes on at 9:30am and set B comes on at 10am. Set B turns off at 9:00pm while A turns off at 9:30pm. I think it gives a 'more' realistic 'sunrise' and 'sunset'.

I agree with purrbox, about the starter / ballast issue.