Light running times

[Chinookflyer]

Does anyone see a problem in running lights for two periods during the day rather than one? I have a tank that I would like to run the lights from 6am - 9am then again from 5pm to 10pm. During the day the tank would have natural room day light (not very bright). The tank is a nano 65l tank with a two clown fish, a banded shrimp and soft corals. My other tank has the lights on for 9 hours straight.

 

[mike007]

Should not be a problem. Fish may not like it. I like to run a cycle more like nature. Blues on 2 hours before and after. Main lights on 8 hours.

 

[mcarroll]

No worries just about any way you'd want to slice it. "Worst case scenario" is that your system pH becomes ultra-stable from the 24/7 photosynthesis.

-Matt

Edit: Good point Mike007...especially if you have particularly skittish fish or you just notice your reacting to lights-on in the morning. It can be startling for some fish. YMMV since each individual fish has his own personality, but with the extra on/off cycles might be worth taking some measures for safety if you're running an open top tank. E.g. a cover, "slow sunrise" vs all lights on at 100%...use your imagination.

 

[Planedoc]

I'm wondering why you want to do this?
If it's to save energy you could run a cheap aquarium bulb from Lowes during the idle periods

Tapatalk on Galaxy S3

 

[Chinookflyer]

Its not about saving energy. We are up and around the house from about 6am to 9am - really love to see the tank. We are back home from around 5ish and to bed at about 10ish - again great to have the tank lit up at that time. I think it would be too long to have the tank lit from 6am to 10pm - but maybe I am wrong. I have some blue lights on order so maybe I will be able to rig up a more natural lighting scheme for early in the mornings and late at night.

 

[Planedoc]

That's why I asked.... We have same problem here. I given up on early morning and I start lights at 8am. I have installed moon lights that come on at 9pm. I do 1 hour blue 10 hour white 1 hour blue. That led moon lights come on. It's really cool because the night time qritters come out in the moon lights and I think my family gives more attention to the night critters than some of the day light ones.
All n all I don't thinks it's bad but like others said for the health of YOUR fish it's better to have a normal light cycle

Tapatalk on Galaxy S3

 

[Chinookflyer]

That's why I asked.... We have same problem here. I given up on early morning and I start lights at 8am. I have installed moon lights that come on at 9pm. I do 1 hour blue 10 hour white 1 hour blue. That led moon lights come on. It's really cool because the night time qritters come out in the moon lights and I think my family gives more attention to the night critters than some of the day light ones.
All n all I don't thinks it's bad but like others said for the health of YOUR fish it's better to have a normal light cycle


Tapatalk on Galaxy S3

Many thanks Planedoc - I will give the moon lights a go.