Photoperiod (1 Viewer)

[cliner]

Don't know if I may have missed a previous thread. Does or has anyone run two photoperiods during the day? Like a few hours in the morning, off during middle of the day, and then on a few hours into the night. I was thinking of trying this to reduce overall light period but still run during best times for enjoyment. I run 2 250 watt MH 14K about 9 hours a day. Is this too much maybe? I researched several other threads on RC about reduced light period and increased color/ growth of SPS. What are yall's experiences?

 

[crvz]

I can't say I've heard anyone doing that, but I would worry about how it may affect coral that are used to a diurnal photoperiod. By having two days and two nights in a 24 hour period, they may not respond well. I think you can do a lot better with reduced photoperiods compared to what most people expect (I just run my day period for 4 hours, with my actinics on for 8), but I'd be very cautious trying to run 2 in one day.

 

[cliner]

Well then, I haven't thought of that, good point. Is 4 hours really enough? How do SPS and photosynthetic organisms react to reduced light periods?

 

[crvz]

Light needs and coloration are related to nutrient content in the tank. You probably picked up on some of that in what you've been researching. I'm no expert, but through my own experience I've had great success over the last 2 years with this photoperiod.

I'm wondering how my "8" turned into a sunglass face. But I've got 8 T5s, 4 bulbs on for 4 hours and 4 bulbs on for 8 hours. It's been plenty. If you have a higher nutrient content, it's common to need much more light to "burn off" the excess nutrients that the corals are consuming. By running a barebottom tank with a lot of flow and a good skimmer, I've avoided some of this.

 

[tdmiata]

Light needs and coloration are related to nutrient content in the tank. You probably picked up on some of that in what you've been researching. I'm no expert, but through my own experience I've had great success over the last 2 years with this photoperiod.

I'm wondering how my "8" turned into a sunglass face. But I've got 8 T5s, 4 bulbs on for 4 hours and 4 bulbs on for 8 hours. It's been plenty. If you have a higher nutrient content, it's common to need much more light to "burn off" the excess nutrients that the corals are consuming. By running a barebottom tank with a lot of flow and a good skimmer, I've avoided some of this.

very informative, thanks..

 

[hank]

I can't say I've heard anyone doing that, but I would worry about how it may affect coral that are used to a diurnal photoperiod. By having two days and two nights in a 24 hour period, they may not respond well. I think you can do a lot better with reduced photoperiods compared to what most people expect (I just run my day period for 4 hours, with my actinics on for 8 ), but I'd be very cautious trying to run 2 in one day.

Fixed sunglasses face, you needed a space between 8 and ). I agree BTW about having two days potentially messing with corals. I run day for 8 and blue for 13. My system is similar in that it's bb with good flow and humongo skimmer, but I'm still not cutting back the lights.

 

[cliner]

Thanks for the responses, I'm starting at 8 hrs daylight(MH) and see where it goes.