Light settings for a new tank

[tbopslt]

Hi, please don't flame me if this has been answered before. I am new to the hobby and was able to get a great deal on a 72g bowfront tank with all the trimmings. I am looking to start a reef tank (my first) The tank is just about set up, but I have some lighting questions.

The canopy has 2 current sundial pendants. Each one has two 32 watt actinic bulbs and a 150 watt metal halide. How long should I set the timer for each setting per day? I got some really beautiful Tonga live rock with tons of purple coraline (which is doing well in a holding tank so far)

Can anyone recommend the best settings while cycling and then settings for optimal beginner corals and fish once the cycle is completed?

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!

 

[TimeConsumer]

There are a lot of different light settings that can be used, every tank is different. A good place to start would be to have the actinics on for 10 hours and the halides on for 8 hours.

Read the stickies on the new to the hobby forum to learn all about cycling and basic reef tank setup.

As far as fish and coral choices, there's a ton of combinations that are great. You don't have to only go with beginner fish and coral, but there's a lot more room for error. Some easy fish include ocellaris clowns and firefish. Some easy corals include star poylps, zoanthids, candy cane coral, and mushrooms.

But again, I emphasize you read all the stickied threads in the reef discussion and new to the hobby sections. There's a wealth of information to get you started.

Welcome to the hobby and to RC.

 

[tbopslt]

Thanks Time. I have been reading and the wealth of information is amazing (and somewhat overwhelming)

Thanks for the advice on the beginner fish/corals as well.

I guess where my confusion lies is lighting to keep the rock looking as good as it does while cycling. And I am in no rush for that to happen!!!

So just to clarify, you suggest Actinics for 10, MH for 8 and then I assume dark for 6? Rinse and repeat?

 

[Michigan Mike]

No, the actinics are on for a hour or two before, during, and after the halides.
10 hours of light total, 8 of it being with all the lights on.
I only use 8 hours of light per day with all my lights coming on at once and turning off at once.

 

[tbopslt]

Thanks Mike

 

[cap032]

While cycling, you could run your lighting much less. 4-5 hrs a day would probably be enough to maintain your coraline. A long lighting period during cycling might lead to a lot of algae growth.