Dual Photoperiods In One Day???

[john.m.cole3]

I have a few friends in the farming business who are at work by 7 AM everyday. The one in particular has Hydra 26s over his 75 gal DT. His photoperiod goes from 630 AM to 9 PM w/ a 2.5 hr ramp up/down. The problem is, sometimes he gets off work at 6 PM and other times it's closer to midnight. Would he be able to run 2 photoperiods? Like, 6 AM to noon and then 6 PM t o m idnight?

 

[mcarroll]

I think no.

Just run the later one, or whichever one where he has more actual time to observe the tank.

 

[mcarroll]

Put the tank to bed when you go to bed....that's pretty much always how I've done it when I've worked odd schedules.

 

[john.m.cole3]

That's the issue. His go to bed time varies, but his wake up time is consistent, s o he feeds in the early morning, but wants to be able to enjoy the tank at night also.

 

[mcarroll]

I'd shift feedings, and the light scedule to something like a 12pm to 12am schedule.

There's also nothing wrong with feeding in the morning before lights come on.....just feed less during that feeding. The light schedule doesn't have to start first.

 

[john.m.cole3]

He's going to run the noon to midnight and keep the 2.5 hr ramp up/down and throw in a moon phase. Thanks for the advice @mcarroll !!!

 

[mcarroll]

(FYI I picked 12p-12a out of thin air....if 3p-3a works better, do that.)

 

[john.m.cole3]

No yeah I get it. 12 hours total. I like reverting to thin air also when in doubt, good source.