shorter photo period = faster growth

[sjfishguy]

Hi, I have a question, I run only 1 250 watt MH on my 60 gallon cube with no supplements, I recently went from 8 hours to 6 hours. Do you think the corals are getting enough light?
Thanks.

If you have a quality reflector, most definitely

 

[kendo]

I have a lumenarch stealth reflector.

 

[murfman]

Hi, I have a question, I run only 1 250 watt MH on my 60 gallon cube with no supplements, I recently went from 8 hours to 6 hours. Do you think the corals are getting enough light?
Thanks.

That would also depend on the needs of the coral. If it needs more light, it might not color up like you want. If it is a coral that uses less light, like some chalices or birdsnests, they still might be getting too much light and brown out. Keep an eye on them and move them as needed but keep in mind, change doesn't happen quickly. It could take months to color back up.

 

[nemmy]

Went from:
actinic t5 2pm-12pm
mh 3:30pm-10:30pm

To:
actinic t5 2pm-12pm
mh 4-10pm

Only cut out an hour of MH but its worth a shot.

Hopefully i get some increased growth and some coloration. Two of my corals need some coloring up, and they all could use a growth boost.

 

[schroder_reef]

Natural Reef Lighting Article

Natural Reef Lighting Article

I think everyone should read this article. It's interesting.

http://www.fishchannel.com/saltwater-aquariums/aquarium-frontiers/natural-reef-light.aspx

 

[cato]

I think everyone should read this article. It's interesting.

http://www.fishchannel.com/saltwater-aquariums/aquarium-frontiers/natural-reef-light.aspx

Great article

 

[bobssecrtsn]

soo its been about 2 years anyone see a difference? lol

 

[fishguy597]

Well its been two years and I have been running my mh for 6 hours and my t5's for 8. I think it helps but really focusing on my water quality and parameters has made all the difference IMO.

 

[pimp2daizzo]

im running two photo periods daily....seems to be working good for me better then running then 12+ hours a day

 

[darkside212]

Hey Pimp,

how long is each photo period?

 

[MammothReefer]

wow, necro-thread.. 5:30-6 hours works for me. I've seen no reason to go above this. No moonlights either, house is bright enough w/all the LEDs on my controller, vortechs, computers, clocks etc..

 

[Digitalelectric]

Only like two people did before and after shots....

 

[Veosk]

A had issues with sps fading out and all my lps looked horrible-not opening.

I have reduced my mh from 10-6.5 and my actinics run for 10hrs and within a week a can tell a difference. My wife even made a comment. My Monti has shown a great amount of color increase from a pale washed out pink to a nice redish pink and I can almost see the growth from day to day.

Also been feeding the fish more.

 

[takayan]

I think the article below explains a lot.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/5/aafeature

 

[aquaenthusiast]

I think the article below explains a lot.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/5/aafeature

Very informative article, thank you.