Lighting schedule question

[kleankord]

i was reading on another forum about something I used to do with my planted tanks. 4 hours on, then off then 4 hours on again.. mostly for the sake of being able to enjoy your tank at the end of the day when you come home. What do yall think?

 

[MarcoG]

This topic comes up now and then. For a saltwater tank, it's not natural at all. My tank doesn't even come on until 4 pm (staggered like Marc's tank) and runs until midnight. I work during the day so it's only on when I am.

The other advantage is the lower electricity bill. Most companies have a non-peak hours rate and is usually in the late evening. My total utilities bill is almost never over $200/month, with electric being only $100. I run 2-400 watt Metal Halides plus all the other equipment.

I would try to set up your light to only be on when your at home the most. Don't turn them on and off and then on again.

 

[kleankord]

appreciate the input, I'll follow your advice.

 

[bimmerzs]

Actually....on and off would replicate a naturat occurance such as when a storm roll's in and it wouldn't really "hurt" your coral's at all. The flip side of that is that there are not storms everyday and your fish probably would't like the on/off too much but would adapt over time. I also have a later light cycle and would really just go with that as marco suggested.

Cheers,

 

[MarcoG]

@bimmerzs wrote:

I thought about that too, and agree that it wouldn't hurt corals. It would be like taking a few naps during the day but not getting a complete chance to rest. [smilie=wink.gif]

 

[Wes]

i do a late day staggered as well, my first halide just came on in fact