Opinions on Light schedule after adding Reefbrite XHO

Todd Kellley · Aug 5, 2019

I am running a 90 gallon mixed reef. Had two very inferior lights for a reef on it. Two Aquasky which were designed for fish only. I had been growing a carpet anemone under them for 6 months so assumed they were enough, but then got a BTA and RBTA that have struggled and all my water parameters are good. So based on the advice of our LFS, that has been around forever and very well known for they quality of livestock and advice, not to mention in Michigan there just are not many anymore unless you consider Petco one! The owner's suggestion was to get a different light to go alone with one of the Aquasky's. After going through a few options we landed on the Reefbrite XHO blue. What it has transformed my tank to is amazing! However it is so much stronger over the old lights that fish hid for 2 days, the BTA moved to the back under the Aquasky, the RBTA is right under the Reefbrite. Both seem to be about the same as they were, just not opening much. I am assuming it will take some time to acclimate to it so dialed the time back today.

Main question is this, LFS suggested the Reefbrites come on first and then the Aquasky along with the same at night; Aquasky off first and then the Reefbrite to shut off later. However the Reefbrite comes on at 100% right off the rip while the Aquasky has sun up and sun down settings so it ramps itself up and down. My thinking is let the Aquasky get to full intensity and then for the Reefbrite to come on at least until everyone is acclimated. Can I get some thoughts on this? As well I was told the Reefbrite was enough to grow coral with success as well. Anyone that wants to comment on that is welcome too! I need real experience here, not reviews on how good the product is. Current light schedule: Sunrise at 7:30 am until 9am, sundown 9pm to 11pm, Reefbrite is set to come on at Noon and shut off at 11pm. I am up early and work late so maybe they are on for too long to satisfy my viewing pleasure. Should I have them all come on later? TYIA

Hemmdog · Aug 7, 2019

Todd Kellley said:
I am running a 90 gallon mixed reef. Had two very inferior lights for a reef on it. Two Aquasky which were designed for fish only. I had been growing a carpet anemone under them for 6 months so assumed they were enough, but then got a BTA and RBTA that have struggled and all my water parameters are good. So based on the advice of our LFS, that has been around forever and very well known for they quality of livestock and advice, not to mention in Michigan there just are not many anymore unless you consider Petco one! The owner's suggestion was to get a different light to go alone with one of the Aquasky's. After going through a few options we landed on the Reefbrite XHO blue. What it has transformed my tank to is amazing! However it is so much stronger over the old lights that fish hid for 2 days, the BTA moved to the back under the Aquasky, the RBTA is right under the Reefbrite. Both seem to be about the same as they were, just not opening much. I am assuming it will take some time to acclimate to it so dialed the time back today.

Main question is this, LFS suggested the Reefbrites come on first and then the Aquasky along with the same at night; Aquasky off first and then the Reefbrite to shut off later. However the Reefbrite comes on at 100% right off the rip while the Aquasky has sun up and sun down settings so it ramps itself up and down. My thinking is let the Aquasky get to full intensity and then for the Reefbrite to come on at least until everyone is acclimated. Can I get some thoughts on this? As well I was told the Reefbrite was enough to grow coral with success as well. Anyone that wants to comment on that is welcome too! I need real experience here, not reviews on how good the product is. Current light schedule: Sunrise at 7:30 am until 9am, sundown 9pm to 11pm, Reefbrite is set to come on at Noon and shut off at 11pm. I am up early and work late so maybe they are on for too long to satisfy my viewing pleasure. Should I have them all come on later? TYIA

I would have them come on later. 10am-10pm would be better. Have the reef brite come on an hour before peak on the other led, then turn off an hour after peak. Peak should be 6-8 hours. That’s what I would do if the reef brites are that much brighter than your other light.

Todd Kellley · Aug 9, 2019

Hemmdog said:
I would have them come on later. 10am-10pm would be better. Have the reef brite come on an hour before peak on the other led, then turn off an hour after peak. Peak should be 6-8 hours. That’s what I would do if the reef brites are that much brighter than your other light.

Thank you! That was the advice I was looking for. I have kept them on for shorter periods so everything can adjust and just received my dimmer switch and acrylic mounts last night. I hooked the dimmer up last night and cut it back to about 50% then adjusted the time to come on as you suggested. I will install the light mounts tonight so they are about 11" off the water. This should give me better coverage and not be blasting the top of my reef with light they are not used to with the assumption I can slowly increase the light back to 100% over the next few days.