Lighting durations

[TheJGMProject]

I was wondering if you could have lights on for 3 to 4 hours, then turn off your lights, wait an hour or two, and then turn them on again for another 3 or 4 hour time period.

The reason I ask is becuase my ballast for my MH lighting gets hot and I get somewhat nervous that it gets that way. So turning off the lights is to cool down the ballast. Will this segmented lighting duration effect the fishes, anemone, SPS'/LFS's I may have some day? I'm cycling a new 40 gal right now.

Any inquries are appreciated!

 

[Anonymous]

I would not. I think it would mess with the fish and corals sleep/eat/etc cycle. I think you will be better to run the lights in one stretch. IIRC it is common for the ballast to get warm to hot to the touch.