Light Time For My 37 Gallon?

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by McSoappy, Aug 30, 2010.

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  1. McSoappy

    McSoappy Astrea Snail

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    Hey all!

    I just recently started up a 37 gallon tank. I purchased a 30" T5 light for it (4 bulbs). I was curious to see what peoples opinions are on how much light I should give it each day.

    The fixture has 2 10K's and 2 actinics in it currently.

    Thanks!

    David
     
    McSoappy, Aug 30, 2010
    McSoappy, Aug 30, 2010
    #1

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  2. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Are there 2 separate power cords? I think most people go with 8-10 hrs of daylight with 10-12 hrs actinics/moonlights.
     
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    #2
  3. elweshomayor

    elweshomayor Giant Squid

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    I do this.. ( i guess it can be shortened but i kinda like it the way it is)
    from 10am-12 is actinics.
    then from 12-7pm is daylights and actinics
    7-10pm is actinics again
    and from 10-2am is moonlights.
     
    elweshomayor, Aug 30, 2010
    elweshomayor, Aug 30, 2010
    #3
  4. McSoappy

    McSoappy Astrea Snail

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    3 separate actually. It has LED moonlights too.
     
    McSoappy, Aug 30, 2010
    McSoappy, Aug 30, 2010
    #4
  5. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Cool. I'd say this...

    Daylights: on 8 hrs.
    Actnics: on 10 hrs.
    Moonlights: on 6 h0ours.
     
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    #5
  6. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Let me rephrase this...

    Moonlights off/Actinics on - 5am.

    Daylights on - 12(noon)

    Actinics off- 1pm

    Daylights stay on

    Actinics on- 7pm

    Daylights off - 8pm

    Actinics off/moonlights on - 12pm.
     
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
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  7. elweshomayor

    elweshomayor Giant Squid

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    usually people keep actinics and daylights together to achieve better color in corals and such;D
    and i guess this would be more accurate to what nature does lol.
    i just like to see my fish a bit later in the day so i switched the lightning to a later period of time....if i make any sense. :D
     
    elweshomayor, Aug 30, 2010
    elweshomayor, Aug 30, 2010
    #7
  8. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    I understand. Just trying to keep it to a more natural lighting period.:)

    Oh, for the actinics, I have them on for a while with daylights, then turn off for a few hours, then they come back on together. - once again - to simulate a more natural lighting period.

    A guess you could have a larger time-span where actinics & daylights are both on though.
     
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    Seano Hermano, Aug 30, 2010
    #8