New lights

[niger12]

I made a post earlier about lights to switch my tank to a reef. The kit I am looking at is a VHO. But is says that all lights come on at the same time. I hear of you guys stagering the light throughout the day. Will it be harmful if I don't and what would I have to do to make the come on at different times. Will it require a second ballast purchase.
Thanks.

 

[aarone]

usually you stagger different types of bulbs (MH VHO PC) they are different intensity and you dont want to bombard the coral with a ton of light energy at once.
aaron

 

[bdubbya]

It's not going to hurt anything to have all the light come on at once. If you want to have the lights come on at different times you will most likely need two ballasts. I have seen PFO VHO ballasts with two switches on them to control the light cycle.
Good luck.