How long do you run your refugium lights for?

[SanmanReefer]

As the title states, I run mine on a reverse schedule. I had a good friend come over to my house today and we got into a debate about this matter. He says that the fuge light should be on 24/7 and that he's done that with no problems. What do you guys do and why?

 

[TommyP]

I have ran my fuge light for 24/7 as well. I have noticed hair alge starting to grow in my sump now though. I am thinking about adding a small powerhead to it just to keep detritus from settling and keep the water moving

 

[SanmanReefer]

I have ran my fuge light for 24/7 as well. I have noticed hair alge starting to grow in my sump now though. I am thinking about adding a small powerhead to it just to keep detritus from settling and keep the water moving

Do you get PH swings from running the fuge light 24/7?

 

[tunicata]

I do reverse cycle for the most part. I mean..there are some times when I forget to turn the sump light on or off...

No real issues though, at least that I am aware of

 

[edd]

i run mine from 11pm-11am. ph drop from 8.4-8.1
i thought i read macro can go sexual or something like that, if you run light 24hrs

 

[SanmanReefer]

i run mine from 11pm-11am. ph drop from 8.4-8.1
i thought i read macro can go sexual or something like that, if you run light 24hrs

Ok, I run mine from 10pm-8:30am.

 

[SteveZ15]

I had on for 24/7 then got a timer and run 11pm-1pm and saw no difference,dont have controller so I dont know about ph swings

 

[SanmanReefer]

I had on for 24/7 then got a timer and run 11pm-1pm and saw no difference,dont have controller so I dont know about ph swings

Thanks Steve, what type of macros do you have in your fuge?

 

[TommyP]

I didn't notice any changes with pH because it gets higher during the light cycle to begin with so it's hard to tell. I though I read it helps balance pH better when you have the light cycle either opposite or 24/7. I also have it 24/7 which I thought would help macro can go sexual or something I don't remember now I'm confused lol

I have chaeto and grape culerpa (sp)

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

From 5pm till midnight

 

[masterswimmer]

Certain macros can go sexual. You're safe with chaeto and gracileria. The ones you need to worry about going sexual are the various strains of caulerpa.

I prefer running fuge lights reverse the display lights. However, I've seen very successful systems with fuge lighting run 24/7/365. Since both scenarios appeared to work equally as well as the other, my thought process was to save on electric.

Russ

 

[SteveZ15]

Thanks Steve, what type of macros do you have in your fuge?

Just cheato

 

[vio]

I prefer running sump lights reverse the display lights, 16 hours , just like Algae scrubber.

 

[ReefnQueens]

I run mine 24/7 never any real issues but I do go from 8.3-8.1 ph swing...no matter what I do I can't ever get my ph to 8.4 so who cares lol.....if I switched to the reverse cycle would ph settle at 8.2? How do I get it to stay consistent at 8.4, would temperature effect it at all? My tank has been at 83-84 degrees past week until last night when I added chiller

 

[Reefcowboy]

I think the reverse light schedule doesnt impact or improve anything. Maybe helps a bit on the swing but i dont think you would have issues with the drop if you keep your tank with a strong ph/alk value daily. I run mine with the tank schedule because i like to see whats going on in the sump, if pumps are all working, skimmer properly set during the day.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

mine run when the lights go out till about 5-6 hours at max. No need for more light then that

 

[jdnumis]

6 hours at night. No problems and chaeto grows like a weed

 

[SanmanReefer]

Thanks for the input guys.