Lighting questions

[Wvreefnewb]

What is a good breakdown for the hours time and length that I should be running my blues, whites, and moons on a daily basis? Also should they run at the same time or should should they be on at the same time? I have also heard that with a reef tank some do the best in the world only run blues. How much dark time is also needed a day?

 

[mcarroll]

You're shooting for a tropical 12 hour day and 12 hour night.

Tune the blues and whites together so they look good to you.

For sunrise, ramp them up slowly over 30-60 minutes to around 60-80% of whatever your peak will be.

Then take them up to 100% of whatever peak you've chosen.

After 10-11 hours, ramp-down to 60-80% of peak again, and then over 30-60 minutes ramp down to zero.

If you can, run your moonlights on a moon scehdule...almost-monthy cycles. Otherwise just run it when convenient to you for night viewing. Moonlighting isn't required.