Light Cycle

[kronikwisdom]

Just wondering what everyone has their light cycle set to.. My dual daylights are on from 10:00am - 7:30pm and the actinics are on from 8:30am - 8:30pm.

An increase in the light time would allow future coral additions to grow better. But, at what point does more light become counter productive and begin to burn the corals? I only have an Orbit 2x65 for my 30 gal, was thinking of retrofitting an additional 65w bulb in the unit, but that may overheat.

Thanks again for helping the newbie!!

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO your light cycle is fine the way it is. There are many factors in coral growth and light is just one of them. How much of a factor it is depends a lot on the specific animal in question...

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

Kronik, from what I have read the max time most things can photosynthesize is 12-14 hours (typical daylight period), not all of which hours are at peak intensity. Which makes sense if you think about it :lol: so I think your current lighting is fine.

 

[kronikwisdom]

12 was the max my lfs recommended to avoid excess algae growth. The only algae growth I have is on one rock, but it's easy to scrap it off once a week.

What do you think about adding another 65w bulb to the Orbit 2x65w unit? I can drill a hole in between the two existing bulbs, move them out further and still have about half an inch between each bulb. Too much?

 

[Anonymous]

Depends, what are you keeping/planning to keep in the 30 gallon ? Does it require more light or is the coral fine with what you have...

 

[kronikwisdom]

I’d like to keep an anemone in there for my clarkii, but realistically probably some zoos, mushrooms, and maybe a bubble coral. I do have 2 small zoo frags in there now that are doing well, but I want them to thrive, not just survive.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah you probably want more light for an anemone. You can post your Q about retrofitting down in the DIY forum...those guys are great at figuring out how to redo things.