How long should I leave my lights on for?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by thorvald8, Jul 29, 2009.

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  1. thorvald8

    thorvald8 Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2009
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    I have a 150watt metal halide HQI lighting system over a 30 gallon tank. I was told that 6 hours per day would be plenty according to the owner of a saltwater store. I was originally keeping them on for 12 hours a day but noticed a considerable algae growth on the walls (yellow and brown). Will doing only 6 hours a day be sufficient and will it mess up the fish? Thanks
     
    thorvald8, Jul 29, 2009
    thorvald8, Jul 29, 2009
    #1

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  2. Bunner

    Bunner Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Ontario, Canada
    i did 12 and went to 8. I think even 8 would be ok for you.
     
    Bunner, Jul 29, 2009
    Bunner, Jul 29, 2009
    #2
  3. iLLwiLL

    iLLwiLL Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
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    Central FL
    I started with 12 hours on the blues and 10 hours for my whites. after some algae from hell I'm onto 9 hour blues and 7 hour whites for a photo period. If your worried about "messing up the fish", you could get some actinic supplementation from T5's or PC's to simulate dusk and dawn.

    ~Will.
     
    iLLwiLL, Jul 29, 2009
    iLLwiLL, Jul 29, 2009
    #3
  4. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    depends on what you keeping to a degree
    but 8 hours for MH with supplemental lighting Via Actinics to give the dawn dusk gradual build up and fade out is common on MH systems

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Jul 30, 2009
    steve wright, Jul 30, 2009
    #4