How long should i keep my MH lights on?

[reef dude]

I jjust got my MH hood system in, 2x 175 watt bulbs (5500k) and 2 NO flourescents. How long should i keep he MH bulbs on each day? when i turn off the MH, the actinics are the only lights left but they are way too dark and blue by themselves..

 

[richard rendos]

My actinics are on for one hour before my halides in the morning and stay on one hour after the halides go off at night. Total 12 hours. My halides are on for 10 hours.

 

[wamp]

My 1st set of VHO on for 12 hours,
2nd set for 10 hours, and
Halides on for 8 hours.
I like alot of light in my tank for a good amount of time. Just put them on and see how your corals respond. They will tell you all you need to know.

 

[tankstolove]

I Run mine for 10 hours with my 2 20,000K bulbs opposite of 2 6500K bulbs, gives a nice color. Many aquariust attempt to ease the corals into night and morning. I don't beleave that the corals benifit from this practice. It is more of an asthetic function for the owner. It is more important in my opinion, to be consistant with the photoperiod needed for the species you are keeping. Basically meaning be consistant with the lighting period, be well informed and sure about your opinion when you decide to change any artificial lighting times.