Light Cycle suggestions?

[StevenSeas]

so does this plan pose any potential glaring problems that anybody can see? Should I just switch to the 7 hrs on 5 off and see how that works and let the corals and fish adapt.

[justahobby]

You will want to make the change gradually. For clarification: It looks like you are proposing 18 hrs then 24 off? Besides your bulbs not lasting very long, I don't expect your coral to go for it either. It is an interesting experiment though and you should gain a better understanding of what lighting schedule works best for you.

[StevenSeas]

sorry the times are on a 24 our clock(ie military time, only with midnite as 2400 instead of 0000), so for instance at the end of it the lights will be on from 0500-1100 and then off until 1700-2400. This breaks down into 5 AM (yes I really wake up then UGH) to 11 AM then off and turn back on at 5 PM and go untill midnite.

[Europhyllia]

From what I've been reading even really 'low' animals/living things respond better to a more natural light cycle (even simple stuff like phytoplankton!).
I just browsed through the new issue of Coral Magazine and as soon as I get off the computer I'll adjust my light cycle down.
They recommend 8-10 hours of main lights and a longer cycle (12-14) of actinics/blues to increase viewing time. Right now I have it at 12 hours for main lights and 14 hours for actinics.
Moonlights would give you more viewing time as well while still allowing your animals to rest.

You'll see stuff you'd rarely see with main lights on.