How long for lights

[oscarslr]

Ok so i have a 8 bulb t5 set 54 watts for each, if running softies for the most part, how long should i leave the lights on each day..... and also should i run the lights while cycling the tank

 

[Andrew]

8-10 hours each day is a good rule to follow. Yes, run your lights durning your cycle.

 

[Southern Boy]

What kind of bulbs you got?and yes run them during the cycle.You will want to try and set up a dawn dusk simulation once you start to stock.Do you have day lights and actinics?Is there swiches that make them where they can be turned on at different times?A timer is a good way to set it up.I don't know if you need to run a full day light cycle on your cycle period.I did.As far as time legnth once you stock it I run 10 hours total.10 actinics and 8 day light.Some do 12 and some do more or less.

 

[oscarslr]

i have 4 actinics and 4 daylight bulbs, anda switch for each the bulb sets they are 10 k eventually i would like to upgrade to 14k , out of curiosity why would u run the lights during a cycle?

 

[Southern Boy]

Are you going to put Live Rock in it?I know that most LR has things growing in and on it.They usualy want light to grow.Your gonna go through several algea stges weater you want to or not.It's part of the cycle.Everything needs light to grow.I know thats not a good explanation and I'm sure one of the vets will give you a better one.

 

[Teremei]

I turn my attnics on at noon. Main on at 1. Main off at 9. Attnics off at 10:30. Basically 8-10 hours is good. And just set the lights to whatever time you happen to wake up so you can enjoy the tank more.

If it's for the 125 you have about 4x light. Which is very good. Softies will grow like wildfire. You could even put some acropa near the very top. Even hardies like hammers, bubble, and fungia could probably florish if you ever decide to add a couple (and trust me, you will).