T5 Photo Period

[newsalt]

My colors are not as vibrant as I think they could be. I've read some posts where others saw better coloration by shortening their photo period. Currently, on my 180g I have an Aquactinics Contellation fixture with 14 39w bulbs. My bulb arrangement is:
FRONT
Row1: ATI Blue +
Row2: ATI Aquablue Special
Row3: ATI Blue +
Row4: ULV Super Actinic
Row5: ATI Blue +
Row6: Giesmann Actinic +
Row7: ATI Blue +

My photo period is:
10:30 am Row 1,4,7 ON
1:00 pm Row 3,5 ON
3:00 pm Row 2,6 ON
8:00pm Row 2,6 OFF
9:00 pm Row 3,5 OFF
9:30 pm Row 1,4,7 OFF

Is my photo period too long?

 

[pisces4u]

You might want to try a KZ Fiji Purple in the mix, they do a lot for color rendering. I think I read somewhere that they emit UV similar to MH bulbs that improve color pigmentation as well. You're running a blue heavy lineup which can was out some colors IME.

I know people dig the look of tanks with heavy blue lighting, but really healthy SPS can look amazing in whiter lighting also. Machado deSousa uses 60% white bulbs 40% blue over his 1000g+ of prop tanks and has near perfect coral colors IMO.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1215102

I use aquablue+, blue+, fiji purple, blue+, blue+, aquablue+ in my Sunpower, 8 hours on 2 bulb actinics and 5 hours full power but that's about all my corals can handle right now.

Also, when you say your colors aren't as vibrant as you would like, does that mean they are browned or greened out or too faded? A lot of people use only 6 hours of full power lighting, but faded colors could also mean not enough nutrients/food and browns/greens could be water chemistry and quality.

 

[newsalt]

Also, when you say your colors aren't as vibrant as you would like, does that mean they are browned or greened out or too faded?

Just faded. In which row would you recommend the Figi Purple?

 

[reefaddictionrx]

I liked the addition of the Figi purple in my setup. Brought out a lot of the deeper colors. I have an 8bulb and my FP is 2nd from the back.

And my photoperiod is 10 hrs with solely t5s.

 

[newsalt]

I liked the addition of the Figi purple in my setup. Brought out a lot of the deeper colors. I have an 8bulb and my FP is 2nd from the back.

And my photoperiod is 10 hrs with solely t5s.

Maybe I can try a pair of Figi Purples in Row6?

 

[what'scoral]

I have a 72" Constellation and I use

Front:
Aquascience 22k
Ge 6500k
ProColor
Fiji Purple
Aquascience 22k
ATI 70/30
Aquascience 22k

I love the color combo on this Alittle more white then what I wanted but its great. Maybe tonight I will post up some pictures. In the next 3-6 months I will change out the GE and ATI for aquascience 15k or aquascience duo.

When the actinics are on my pH dosnt budge but once the whites flick on bam my pH starts climbing. Im not to worried about my corals growing out of control or really quick.

 

[Logzor]

It will not hurt to change your photo period. I suggest shortening it down to 7 to 8 hours max. I made the move from 11.5 hours to 8 hours. The color and growth rate has improved, not to mention, I save some electricity.

I also use a constellation, just the 48" version.

 

[newsalt]

I added a row of KZ Figi Purple. I put the bulb in Row 5. It's a different look than I'm used to. Wonder if I should move it to Row 6. Is there a "burn in" period for the bulb? I'll wait a see. It might take some getting used to. I've read a bunch of threads and tons of people are using the bulb.

 

[WharfRat]

I dropped from 11 to 7 hours and things are going well in my 90

 

[newsalt]

It will not hurt to change your photo period. I suggest shortening it down to 7 to 8 hours max. I made the move from 11.5 hours to 8 hours. The color and growth rate has improved, not to mention, I save some electricity.

I also use a constellation, just the 48" version.

Can you share the on and off times of your lights.

 

[iceman79]

I do 50/50 lighting 4 daylight bulbs and 4 actinic bulbs. I run my 4 actincs for two hours and then full power for 5 hours and then its just my actinics again for another 1 hour than lights out

 

[newsalt]

Changed my bulb configuration and photo period to:

FRONT
Row1: ATI Blue +
Row2: KZ Figi Purple
Row3: ULV Super Actinic
Row4: ATI Blue +
Row5: ATI Blue +
Row6: ULV Actinic White
Row7: ATI Blue +

My new photo period is:
11:30 am Row 3,5 ON
2:00 pm Row 1,4,7 ON
4:00 pm Row 2,6 ON
8:00pm Row 2,6 OFF
9:00 pm Row 1,4,7 OFF
9:30 pm Row 3,5 OFF