Lights on? ... Lights off?

[weatherman]

Corals and the fish in my 48 gallon oceanic tank are doing great. I'm wondering how long the lights should be on. This tank was set up for me and all I can tell you is that the tank is VERY bright with...1 long 'blue' light and 1 white one beside it. I HAVE 2 OF THESE RUNNING at the same time. I was told a timer works great, but am unsure what times to set it. I know the corals must get some 'rest' (darkness) BUT HOW MUCH?
Thanks for your response.

 

[nm reef]

Here is my lighting scheme...2x110 watts of actinic vhos come on at 8am...4x65 watts of 10k pc's come on at 9am...
4x65 pc's off at 8pm...2x110 vho's off at 9pm.
You are correct to assune that the creatures in your system need some sort of day/night schedule. timers would definitely be the way to go. As a rule its suggested that we keep light aorund 10-12 hours per day.