MH on the off then on again

[MarcoPolo]

Regardless of your photo period (6, 8, 10...hours) do any of you switch off your Mh during the day to give the SPS a 'brake' to then resume the lighting?

I was wondering if to have the MH on for, say, 3 hrs then switch off for 1-2 hours, then resume for another 3 hours. Intent would be to cool down the tank and let the corals 'breath' a bit.

What do u reckon? :spin2::fun4:

 

[SBRob]

I'll have to try to find it but I read a thread on nano once how someone used 6 hours on, 6hours off repeated and got more growth from his sps. I'll see if I can find it for you.

 

[SBRob]

Found it... Not sure if I can put up websites on here so I'll just explain how to get there. Go to nanoreefs dot com and search photoperiod theory and it should be the first one that comes up on the search.

 

[MarcoPolo]

Ok,I'll take a look at the site. Thanks.

Anyone else?

 

[zach_24_90]

hmm id like to see how the 6-6 theory works

 

[MarcoPolo]

My Mh has a 7 hrs period. I am going to split that into 2 periods of 3.5 hrs with a 2 hrs interval. The T5 will be on throughout the Mh period including the 2 hrs brake. It's like simulating heavy clouds for a couple of hours. I am doing this to avoid overheating the tank due to the summer season. But I am curious to see what effect this has on the corals, maybe it will be beneficial for them too. I'll keep you posted, but in the meantime, appreciate any other insights you may be able to share on the photoperiod theory. :fun4:

 

[Pallobi]

My Mh has a 7 hrs period. I am going to split that into 2 periods of 3.5 hrs with a 2 hrs interval. The T5 will be on throughout the Mh period including the 2 hrs brake. It's like simulating heavy clouds for a couple of hours. I am doing this to avoid overheating the tank due to the summer season. But I am curious to see what effect this has on the corals, maybe it will be beneficial for them too. I'll keep you posted, but in the meantime, appreciate any other insights you may be able to share on the photoperiod theory. :fun4:

great idea bud :thumbsup:

 

[SBRob]

Ya let us know how the 2 periods of 3.5 hrs go. I will be interested in your results.

 

[john rochon]

not a good idea, every time you fire up a lamp it shortens the life of the lamp and the ballast. Its best to just run the lamp for your schedule. Theres no benefit to the corals. plus the fish aren't crazy about multiple lighting schedules.