Lighting stay on times

[mling]

How long should one set the timer on a reef tank to stay on ? I had my set to turn on from 6am to 8pm. I have since reduced the hrs to 7am to 5pm.

Will reducing my lighting hrs from 14 to 10 help in controlling Algae ?

[SouthernReefer]

not really, imo. it is best to simulate a natural day/night if possible. check your water parameters for phosphate, nussiance algea is an indicator of high phosphates in most cases, esp. if the tank is new and still cycling.

[WilyGuy]

I "simulate" natural light by turning mine on at about 10AM and turning off at about 10PM. Since around me it is light from about 7AM to 8PM, I figure 13 hours is long. I do 12 and have it come on later when I am gazing into it in the evening.

[Ganja Brasil]

Can I jump in and ask a question? What if Im only going to be using MH? How long should my photoperiod be? around 7-10 hours good?

[(B)reef Encounter]

My actinics are on at 9am and off at 11pm.Mh on at 10am off at 10pm. This setup works great for me.It just depends on what you want (and what your budget allows you )