New tank, lighting questions

[DMMuir]

New tank is cycled and ready, first fish maybe today.

That said, I haven't run my lights yet.

Ati sunpower 60". 2 channels
First is 2 actinic, 2nd is 4 other ati bulbs

How long should I run the lights to start out?
Only other thing is there's chaeto in the refugium and that light is on 24/7 right now


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[outssider]

Light becomes an issue when you start adding corals, fish don't need much light at all. most people with sps run t5's around 8-9 hours a day.

 

[Ruskin]

your refugium shouldnt be run 24/7. All things in your refugium need a break from the light, macro algea included. Run it opposite your main tank lights to help with ph changes. I've always run my lights after the tank 'cycles' for my full photoperiod, about 9 hours regardless of how stocked the tank is/was.

You should really look into quarentining that new fish before you add him to your display. THere are lots of good threads on here and simples setups to get you started. Its easy, affordable, and will save you lots of time and money in the long run.

Good luck, it looks like a great start.

 

[zaitmi]

nice tank..good start.

 

[DMMuir]

So the actinic channel starts at 4:30, and the whites at 5:30. They both turn off at midnight. We will adjust from there. The grow bulb in the refugium now runs opposite hours from those.


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[Maxxumless]

So the actinic channel starts at 4:30, and the whites at 5:30. They both turn off at midnight. We will adjust from there. The grow bulb in the refugium now runs opposite hours from those.


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Time isn't that critical until there's coral/anemone in your tank. I don't have much experience with T5's as I have used mainly MH+CF and LED's now. Some coral will be sensitive to light changes others not so much. Start corals at the bottom of your tank then move them higher on the rockworkj as requirements dictate.

I'd start asking about the corals you will want and people with chime in with lighting requirements and recommendations.

 

[neiltus]

I run my t5 (4 of them) for 6 hours right now this might be increasing shortly. Kessils run 2 hours each side of that period up/down like 65% intensity.

Whole lotta par.

watch this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjiH5Pbas-o