New Lights

[fishcrazy]

Just got my new lights for my 135gal. The unit has 3 150 watt HQI, 4 96watt dual actics, and 8 moon glows. Any recommendations for the amount of time I should run them?? Should they overlap? BTW I just purchased a SPS coral and a few LPS.

[blueboy]

i would run the actinics for about 12 hours, and the MH for 6-8, you could stagger the MH's too. the moonlights i would set to turn on just before the actinics go out, and turn off just after the actinics come on. i don't know maybe some folks run their moonlights 24-7, they don't use much power.

[fishcrazy]

So are you saying to overlap (both on at the same time) the two for six to eight hours of should I shut of the actics while the HQI's are running. Don't what to run into an algae problem.

[GaryP]

So are you saying to overlap (both on at the same time) the two for six to eight hours of should I shut of the actics while the HQI's are running. Don't what to run into an algae problem.

I have my actinics come on 30 min. before, and go off 30 min. after the MH come on/off. This gives something of a sunrise/sunset effect. Since you have 3 MH, you may want to have it kick on in the middle of your cycle to give a "high noon" effect. On the other hand, you don't have a huge amount of light to start with so it might be better to go ahead and leave it on when the other two are on.

Light doesn't cause algae problems, excess nutrients do, especially phosphates.

[fishcrazy]

So you run your actincs with or without your M.H. on?? All the M.H. come on or off at the same time. I have them set as fallows: All actincs come on at 8:00am and shut off at 11:00am which is when the M.H. turn on and run until 4:00, then the actincs turn back on until 10:00. What do you think??

[MikeyBoy]

Let the actinics run the entire time that the halides are on.
The Actinics would run the entire day until in the evening when your not viewing the tank.

Most people like to leave the Actinics on in the evenings to view the tank.
I dont shut my VHO actinics off until 1030pm, and the come on at 10am.
My Halides shut off at 5pm, and they come on in rotation from 1030-1130