How long to leave lights on ?

[Jordan_Oreo]

Not shure if this is the right section or not, but iam getting my tank going and i was wondering how long to leave the lights on? the people at the LPS said because i have coral turn on every 6hrs then off every 6hrs , then i heard from another guy that i could just leave them on all day and turn them off at night. What should i do ?

Thanks

 

[ramous]

Your best bet is to put your lights on a timer. Have them on for about 12 to 10 hours depending on the type of lights you are using. This schedule mimics nature.

 

[McCrary]

Normally 8-12 hours on and then 16-12 hours off is the schedule most people use. But the length of time that the lights stay on is also somewhat dependent on what type of lighting you have. What type of lighting do you have?

 

[Jordan_Oreo]

i have 2 T5 lights

 

[McCrary]

I would keep them on for 10 hours and then leave them off for 14, this should be good for the coral and good for you as well. A timer works well to keep things consistent, which seems to really benefit the coral and makes sure that you don't forget to turn the lights off (I did this a number of times before getting a timer).

 

[Jordan_Oreo]

I have a timmer so ill set it up tomoro monring with it /

Thanks for the help

 

[DML08]

I do 12 on 12 off.. i have 5 t5 HO

 

[Scuba Dan]

rather then start a new thread, hope you dont mind me asking here. If running VHO's and 400w MH, how long should you keep them on. I have your basic reef tank, nothing hard to care for. I have my lights running 7 hours a day. Is this long enough or can I go a lesser amout of time?