Noobie Light Question

Whale4 · 03-10-2005, 06:42 AM

Hey Now-
New to reef tank, I have a 30 Gal W/ 10 Gal Sump I just got a set of 196W PCs. At what intervals should i turn on my Whites and Actinic lights and how long? Any help is appreciated Have a Grateful Day

"Im Going Where The Water Tastes Like Wine"

skeety · 03-10-2005, 06:53 AM

First off, a big hearty WELCOME to TRT.

(You could NOT have picked a better place to start!)

You can check out a recent thread, in which people share their "light timing" schedules for a start:

http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=48363

also, I'm sure others will chime in with suggestions.

But as a heads up, I think this is one of those questions that has no true right answer. It's all a matter of preference, and financial stability (electric bills).

There are guidelines, general ranges (i.e. Don't leave 'em on 24/7), but other than that, it's up to you, your schedule, etc.

Check out that thread for some initial info, search this forum, and just stay tuned!

Welcome again, and good luck!

reefBoyDc · 03-10-2005, 04:50 PM

Whale, you meant a pair of 96W PC, not 196W, right?

The time span between the first set turning on and the second really doesn't matter that much. It's not even necessary, though it does provide *some* sunset/sunrise effect, and less of a light shock in the morning. My interval is 20 minutes. I leave the lights on from 10am to 11pm.