Photoperiod

[Pandomime]

Hay guys i was just wondering why is it that most people perfer on having a photoperiod of around 8 -9 hours for thier aquariums? I was thinking about it becuase arn't we trying to replicate for our little critters what they would normally experiance in the ocean. The day has alot more sunlight then just 8 or 9 hours, so why do most of use ristrict our light cycle to only this? Is there any reason? I suppose algae might be one but i dont find it that hard to control if your carfull.. just a thought.

 

[nyvp]

remember it may be light outside for 12 hrs but it isnt direct all that time then add in clouds

 

[tperk9784]

No aquarium light can even come close to replicating sunlight right now anyway.

I also read that corals in the wild cut back on photosynthesis once they have absorbed all the energy they need for one day.

 

[Pandomime]

Yeah i guess that makes sense, thanks for the input guys

 

[ek9vboi]

right now i am running 8-9 hrs, but plan to bump it up to as much as 12hrs.

 

[ReefWreak]

I've got my halides on for 8-9 hours and the VHO on for 11-12 hours. No moonlights. I do the extra few hours of VHO to simulate sunrise and sunset, when in the real world the fish do most of their feeding, during those two periods.

Halides are 2x250w 14k Hamiltons and VHO are 4x110w URI Superactinic. All are over a 120g 48x24x24 tank.

 

[ek9vboi]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10294310#post10294310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefWreak
I do the extra few hours of VHO to simulate sunrise and sunset, when in the real world the fish do most of their feeding, during those two periods.

Interesting, I think I might start feeding at the time as well. I noticed that most SPS show feeder tenticles after the lights are out. Its not fun feeding them in the dark. lol

 

[bawla47]

i run mine for 7 hours... because im poor

 

[LouPhoenix]

Algae is my reason for running a full photoperiod for no more than 7 hrs. Actinics are on for 9 hrs. The corals seem to tolerate it very well.

 

[nyvp]

there are poeple doing 5&6 hrs that are doing great. I would start with 8 leave for a week and if all good go down an hr till you see a change or up an hr till you dont see a change.

 

[Abengochea]

remember that algae needs phosphates in order to grow. if u control the phosphates then u shouldnt have a problem with algae, no matter how long u leave ur lights for

 

[illal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10294639#post10294639 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bawla47
i run mine for 7 hours... because im poor

lmao i have to agree only i run for about 8 hrs