Need help on timing of lights.

I have a Coralife pc with two actinic blue's and two 10,000 K's and four led moon lights. Just looking for some opinions on the timing of them. I know I should have the blue's go on before the main lights and vice-versa at night but how much of a time difference in between? Also, should the moon lights be on all night or should there be a time of total darkness?

 

The actinics for about 12 hours and the 10Ks for about 10 hours. That leaves an hour differential between the actinics and the whites. If you start growing algae pull the whites down to 8 hours and the actinics to 10 hours. The moonlight should be on all night. I just leave my moonlight on 24/7. They last a good while.

 

I second Reefman. 12 and 10 Works great for me

J

 

Thanks guys.

 

Your welcome Mike.

 

Does this also work for me? I have 2 250 Watt 10000 MH and 2 96 W PC actnics. How about Actinics on at 7:00am Metal Halide on at 10:00.....Metal Halides off at 8:00 Actinics off at 11:00. That leaves lights off for 8 hours a day.

Jay

 

watch the algae jay! otherwise it might do just fine (your photo period)

 

It doesn't help anything grow that you want to grow by leaving your lights on longer. It's all about intensity. The 12 hours of dark is needed for the 2nd part of photosynthisis(sp?), giving them less isn't a good thing.

 

I think Jay has the intensity. 2 - 250w 10K MH and 2 96w acts over a 60 gallon acrylic. :-*

 

Exactly, so why leave them on longer? Nothing gained, besides aglae

Saves bulb life, electricity and heat and will help corals gain a better photo period ratio.