Lighting Schedules

Cameron · Sep 25, 2015

I've read recently about people that say they have some type of light on 24/7, and I've read about people saying their lights are on for only a few hours per day, so I was curious as to what kind of lighting schedules everyone runs on their aquarium. How many hours a day do you have your lights on? What kind of lights are they? What kind of corals do you have in your tank?

I have just a Zoa and a Duncan. I have LED lights, and I run my regular lights for 10 hours a day, and just my moonlights for an additional 4 hours. I've considered changing this schedule, but would like to see what kind of schedule everyone else is running, and why you chose to do this.

Thanks!

Dtackett · Sep 25, 2015

24/7 would be their sump light or moon lights. it helps keep the ph stable.

cloak · Sep 25, 2015

I run my 175 watt MH bulb for about 6 hours a day, while the T5 actinics are on for about 9 hours each day. This is over a standard 20 gallon tank btw. (mixed reef)

People running their lights 24/7 are most likely illuminating a refugium.

DeniseAndy · Sep 25, 2015

My T5s are on about 9 hours a day and my MH about 4 or so. My moons about 3. Now my sump runs closer to 10 hours and my algae scrubber 16.

24/7 would not be a good recommendation for corals. They need the dark!

Cameron · Sep 26, 2015

Thanks for the input guys. I couldn't understand why someone would leave a light on that long, but the second light in the refugium or sump makes sense

maroun.c · Sep 26, 2015

My lights are on for 12 hours a day start with Leds ramping up slowly over couple of hours the t5s for two hours. MH are on for 4 hours currently as im still adding corals but will go up to 5-6 hours eventually then couple of hours with T5 and Leds followed by couple of hours with Leds ramping down.