Leaving Lights On..??

[RoryJ]

I was wondering how long to leave lights on in Fish Only tank...My bio load consists of 4 hermit crabs, 2 OC, 4 green Chromis, 1 Royal Gramma and 1 Coral Beauty...I have absolutely no visible algae..was wondering if because I hardly have lights on..

 

[sbash]

As long as the fish get a proper night (8-10 hours of darkness is my understanding), they will be fine. If that tank gets natural light, take that into account; but I would set the lights on for when I would be viewing the tank.

Depending on how you export your excess nutrients, the lights may or may not affect algae growth. If your phosphates and nitrates are (near) zero, then it is likely safe to extend your lighting time.

 

[RoryJ]

As long as the fish get a proper night (8-10 hours of darkness is my understanding), they will be fine. If that tank gets natural light, take that into account; but I would set the lights on for when I would be viewing the tank.

Depending on how you export your excess nutrients, the lights may or may not affect algae growth. If your phosphates and nitrates are (near) zero, then it is likely safe to extend your lighting time.

Actually my nitrates are pretty high, which i have been slowly bringing down..I probably should add that this is a very new tank and cycled with bacteria and ammonia and dry reef rock

 

[sbash]

Take a look at this thread:

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/is-an-algae-infested-tank-a-result-of-laziness.308608/

As suggested, when you do start to see algae, take action right away.