ATI w/ reefbrite XHO light schedule (SPS)

[ReefAddict16]

Hi I’m wondering what schedule people run for a six bulb ATI and two reefbrite xho’s fixture.

I’m currently running two coral plus, two blue plus and two true actinics for eight hours. The reefbrites come on for four hours after the six bulbs go off. Fixture is about three inches from the water.

I’m getting growth everyday from some of my acros and color is good but wondering if i can run the reefbrites for the whole schedule and not affect anything.

 

[dbl]

I run a very similar set up...six bulb Geissman Matrixx with two RB XHO's. I ramp the RB's very slowly for 4 hours on either side of the bulbs, which burn for 8 hours. I personally leave the RB's on while the bulbs are on. But my fixture is around 8" +/- above the waterline on a 24" deep tank for what that's worth.

Having said all of that, I'll add one more thing. If you're noticing growth every day and your colors are good and you're not experiencing any issues, think seriously about changing anything. The old adage of if it ain't broken, don't fix it comes to mind here.

 

[Daniel Waters]

Hi I’m wondering what schedule people run for a six bulb ATI and two reefbrite xho’s fixture.

I’m currently running two coral plus, two blue plus and two true actinics for eight hours. The reefbrites come on for four hours after the six bulbs go off. Fixture is about three inches from the water.

I’m getting growth everyday from some of my acros and color is good but wondering if i can run the reefbrites for the whole schedule and not affect anything.

So it sounds like you are wanting to run your LEDs from 4 hrs to 8 hrs, to coincide with your T5 schedule? That could potentially be a substantial increase in additional par over a sizeable time period. I would only advocate doing this if you run 2 less t5 bulbs during that time frame and increase those bulbs' duration for 30 minutes to an hour each week till you are back up to 8 hours. Or simply add 30 minutes to 1 hour of additional duration on the LEDs till you get to the 8 hours. It's possible your corals would be perfectly fine by the additional 4 hour bump all at once, but it's better not to take a chance. Another option might be to raise your fixture an additional 3 to 5 inches. This will reduce your overall par to help offset the increase in par from the additional time the LEDs are on.