lighting help

[lakers10]

i just bought a t5ho 48x50 with leds and timers and such

this thing is confusing to set up the timers

any help appreciated

[Rychek]

Not sure what hardware you're using exactly, but the general method is actinics on, shortish amount of time passes, daylight on, large amount of time passes, daylight off, short time passes, actinic off, night time passes, repeat.

Some (like myself) turn their actinics off after the daylights come on to save some power then turn them back on before the daylights shutoff. The choice is up to you.

[Squiers007]

Rycheck, what type of lights are you using? If you are running t5's I wouldn't turn. The actinics off because you would be drstically decreasing your light output. If you have halides it's a totally different story, then it's just personal preference sine the actinics are not adding much light in comparison.

[lakers10]

yeah mine are confusing lol

[Rychek]

Rycheck, what type of lights are you using? If you are running t5's I wouldn't turn. The actinics off because you would be drstically decreasing your light output. If you have halides it's a totally different story, then it's just personal preference sine the actinics are not adding much light in comparison.

I'm using 2 IceCap 660 running 6 48" 54 watt bulbs (overdriven to ~80 watts by the IceCaps). I've been turning the actinics off with no adverse affects for months and the SPS in the tank are growing like crazy. This is anecdotal evidence, to be sure, but there is not one size fits all solution in this hobby. :)

[Gseclipse02]

shoot me a text with your address i may be able to swing by real quick and help you out not sure what time i have a few things to take care of ....