Ideas needed for lighting schedule

[dj synystr]

i have a 125 mixed reef that has been up for a few years. i run a 175 watt MH on one side and a 400 watt MH on the other for different lighting needs. i run 4 65 watt antinics 2 blue 2 03 and i have just added 2 96 watt 10k power compacts. i was hoping on using the 10k pc's before the mh's come on and again right when the mh go off to be more of a gradual change in light to antinics. here is an example of the new light schedule. please if anyone has any suggestions, ideas, comments or does something similar PLEASE share the info. thanks for your time.

7:00 am antinics on
8:30 am 10k pc's on
11:00 am MH come on
11L00 am antinics off
1:00 pm 10k pc's off
5:00 pm 10k pc's on
5:00 pm antinics on
6:00 MH off
7:30 10k pc's off
9:00 antinics off

 

[dj synystr]

any suggestions???????????????????????????

 

[reverendmaynard]

I guess it depends on if you like the look of the PCs and MHs without the actinic. Most people run actinics all the time, for the bluer look and pop of the colors.

I'd probably go with actinics on, PCs on, MHs on/PCs off, MHs off/PCs on, PCs off, actinics off. Or, switch out one or more of the 10K PCs with 50/50 bulbs and use the schedule you've got.

Also, I think a 12 hour cycle would be sufficient.

 

[dj synystr]

oh i forgot i run 20k metal halides so i dont really need to use my antinics during the day now. when you say 12 hours meaning antinics included or not counting that time?

 

[reverendmaynard]

From first light on to last light off, 12 hours. Not that longer is bad, per se, just unnecessary and costly.

 

[dj synystr]

gotcha. i figured i cut the antinics and 10k's of while the 20k's are on so why not get an extra hour or two viewing. i think i will give 12 hour cycle a shot see how the corals like it. thanks.

 

[reverendmaynard]

NP.

I keep my cycle to turn on in the afternoon and off late at night (1pm to 11pm) to get maximum viewing. I'm working all day anyway, so I can't view them in the morning.

 

[nano10]

i run my lights from 2 till 11