We are working on starting our 55 gal FOWLR tank (well, the LR may come later, we're not sure yet). Anyway, I read somewhere that having one blue light and one white light was best for the fishies and the tank, and to have the blue light on for 12 hrs a day and the white one for 8 or 10. I also read we should start slowly with the lights, going gradually from a couple hours a day up the the optimal amount of time.

What I read said to do this during cycling. But my hubby says that HE read that we shouldn't use any lights during cycling because it will promote algae growth. I gather there are two schools of thought on this - any advice out there??

Also, we bought this 55 gal tank and it has two lights, one on each side of the tank. There is a little glass (I assume) pane below each of the lights. I thought I'd read that there should be nothing between the lights and the water? If that's so, then do you think there's a way to take these glass panes out?

Last question, about the blue/white light. Since we only have one bulb on each side of the tank, will it look funny to have blue on one side and white on the other? And does this blue/white rule even apply to FO tanks (as opposed to coral tanks)?

Thanks

Danny & Melissa