how long should lights be left on

[hoginme]

I was just wondering how long my vho's should be left on, and how long my MH should be on in a day? Is there a certain time i should turn these on? Just curious how long long other people leave theres on and what times they turn them on and off. I have been leaving my MH on for about 7-8 hours and my vho's on for 10-11 hrs a day. Is this too long my tank seems to be doing fine with this system. The vho's come on about 10:00am and the MH at about 11:00am.

Thanks for any feed back

[nycreef]

im no expert by far but that sounds about right. mine are on from 11 am to 7pm. when i used to leave them on longer i had more algae outbreaks in the tank. metal halide might need less time on. what size is your tank. how high from the lights. sometime to much light isnt goo either from what ive heard.but dont go by me.

[octopus]

I turn all my lights on in the morning anywhere from 6:00am to 9:00am and they all go off between 9:00pm and 10:00pm at the same time.

[Minnreefer]

I believe that it is better to have all the lights on a timer to come on and off at approxmently the same time. The light times seem about right, the best is look at the tank and see how it reacts.
Jonathan

[bill-e]

From a different view.

Your tank should see about 12 hours of darkness in order to allow the photosynthesis process to complete.

Lights staggered on timers, ie simulating dawn/dusk, are great for fish. I see more courting behavior commencing at dusk then at any other time. Additionally, a moonlight will stimulate courting.

I have found that about 9 hours of light generated from my two 250w 10kk HQI's is enough for my tank. I was running about 12 hours when I had just PC's.

[JennM]

We always recommend timers...easier for you, easier for your critters...

Having said that, photoperiod of maximum 10 hours is also recommended. What I do and recommend (when I have dual controls for actinic and daylight) is actinics on 1 hour before and after the daylights. So my actinics run 10 hours total, and daylights for 8. If you prefer to view your tank in the evening, have the lights come on at noon-10 PM etc., so you have your own enjoyment too!

Jenn

[hoginme]

Thanks for all the input it has been very helpful. What type of timer should I use and where is the best place to get one, should i just use one from the hardware store or do I need one that is a reef type?

Thanks for the help

[bill-e]

You can get the Intermatic, Heavy Duty, 3 pronged timer at most Home Depot stores for less than 10 bux