Refugium light time and poll

[brettinteriors]

It may not matter but I am curious to the opinion whether to run thefuge light 24/7 or 12/7. Ph wise and gowth? I have always done 24/7. Don't need another timer.

 

[Raptor72]

I run my fuge lights opposite of the DT lights. I've heard it helps to maintain the Ph at a constant level

 

[savageAJC]

Ive also read running it opposite is a good idea, but I run mine 24/7. It's a DIY 4 led fixture no heat no fuss and great growth!

 

[lostmyz]

I run mine while the tank lights are on. But I have been tempted to run it in reverse. I am using a clamp lamp with a 40watt energy efficient bulb but might change it up to some LEDs I dunno. Savage where did you get your LED stuff since its only 4 LEDS?

 

[rwtucker]

Runs about 11 hrs on reverse schedule to tank lights. But I have been thinking about running 24/7, Using 24 inch 25 watt T5s, one 10k one 20k.

 

[aquaph8]

Mines on a reverse schedule. My chaeto doesn't grow much at all though. I think I get better results from the critters in the dark areas of my sump.

 

[savageAJC]

I made my own fuge light. Bret my critters are no longer afraid of the light haha you can look in my huge at anytime and see a bunch of them swimming and creeping around.

 

[Raptor72]

Any idea if running it 24/7 would help the chaeto suck up more excess nutrients? I'm having some hair algae problems lately. WC's and fewer hours on the DT lighting are the current remedy.

 

[sillygoose]

We run ours about 18 hours per day. The dark happens during the lights on period in the tank. It does keep your pH more stable to run them opposite. I read that your macros will grow better with some dark time, hence the six hours off.

BTW - hi everyone - did ya miss me?

 

[Jmnazari]

http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/research/2007/sleeping_plants.html This might help a little bit I'm into biotopes and keeping things natural in my tank etc etc....But if it helps out your tank to run it 24/7 then by all means, especially if taking into consideration the healthiness of your fish and corals! I don't think some light off the fuge would be too detrimental, though.