reef near a window..

[Ginzo]

My lights are ON around 8 hours a day. The remaining of the time, the only source of light is my 4 moonlights.

I have my reef near a window in the basement, so before it had light pretty much all day (because of the light coming from the window). On the weekend, I covered that window. So now, it's pretty much blackout on the tank, until the lights come ON.

Is this a problem, having a source of light on only 8hours a day ? and the remainder of the time, is blackout except for the moonlights.

Or should I revert back and keep that window unblocked ?

 

[tkeracer619]

I would think it would be fine. What type of corals do you keep. My halides only run 5 hours and my actinics for about 10

 

[pondy]

I have my tank by two windows and to tell you the truth I have seen more growth in the corals that get the light from the windows. I dont know if it is because of the light or if they just like where tehy are but it works well for me

 

[snatchbak]

IMO a little sunlight promotes coral growth.

 

[RumLad]

My tank gets afternoon direct sun. As the sun sets, the light moves across the tank. The corals visibly inflate and enlarge as they are exposed to the bright sun light. If the structure allows it, I will definetly use a form of natural light (sun tubes) in my next tank.