Macro question

[xrayjeeper83]

Just picked up some macro for my new display macro tank. Its tied into my 75 via the sump and I'm wondering how long and what time should I have the light on.

I've heard different things, 24 hours, just 8-10hrs, when ever the 75 is off.....

There is also a pair of clowns, firefish, and a tailspot blenny in the tank as well.

Here's a pic. I plan on getting some dragons breath as well as what I have (which I can't think of the names of)

 

[noobofthereef]

So its separated by itself in the sump? If it is, it could be anything that you suggested. I personally leave the lights on in my fuge 24/7. If it's in your DT, just do 8-10 hours because of the fish in there.

 

[JLynn]

From what I understand, it is a separate DT which shares a sump with a 75g DT, noobofthereef. But, yeah, 8-10 hours for the fish would work. The point of alternating light cycles if a refugium and a separate tank with macro algae/seagrass are plumbed together is stabilizing the pH; when one light is off and the plants in that tank are no longer removing CO2/producing O2/photosynthesizing, which changes the pH, the other light is on and the plants in the other tank are removing CO2/producing O2/photosynthesizing, which should pretty much cancel out the pH change, and thus the water chemistry is more stable. So If you went that route, you could have the macro DT light on 12 hours and have the 'fuge light on the other 12 hours. Or you could have the DT on for 10 hours and the fuge on for 14 hours. It is really your choice, though. Plus, having alternating light cycles won't fully stabilize the pH unless your fuge and macro DT produce/consume roughly the same amount of O2/CO2. I imagine an air pump or two would have roughly the same effect, if you would rather have the fuge light on 24/7 and the DT on 10 hours a day. Each method has its own merits, so like I said, it is up to you in the end. Hope this helps!

 

[xrayjeeper83]

I have 75g reef tank that the 20long display fuge is attached via the sump. Don't have the room under the 75 for a fuge so I decided to make it a display fuge so it looked good.

I have the fuge coming on 8pm-8am and the 75 starts coming on at 8 and is more or less off at 7(use sunrise/sunset). Well just set up that time frame.