Setting my timers

[0verfl0w]

I just bought 2 timers for my lights today and I want to make sure I don't set myself up for an algae outbreak.
Actinics-on at 3pm
10k-on at 5pm
10k-off at 11pm
Actinics-off at 1am
Is that too much lighting? Maybe run the 10Ks for 5 hours instead of 6... :thinking:

 

[tizzo]

I run mine for 8 and a half. If your water is RO, you do not have nitrates or phosphates, and you have plenty of snails you should be OK running your lights even longer.

 

[0verfl0w]

Thanks....what kind of lights do you have

 

[hot883]

I run my 260w PC's from 8am-8pm. I flick the switch on them both at the same time. Of course the room that the tank is in is the living room so once we get up it's not like it's going from pitch black to 12 noon in a nano second.

 

[benj420]

I run my actinics for 13 and 10,000's for 11 hours and don't have an algae problem. I also use RO water.
I run four 72" VHO bulbs, 2 of each. They are crammed over my headboard tank, which pictures can be seen here:
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=185311
(shameless plug...)

 

[tizzo]

Originally Posted by 0verfl0w
Thanks....what kind of lights do you have
Duel 250 watt halides (10K ea.) and VHO actinics...

 

[0verfl0w]

Tizzo...I have 192W PCs on my 65gal right now. My tank is 36"x18"x24" (I think I got that right...just in case it's 24" from top to bottom). I wanna add a 250W MH 10k retro. You think I'd be straight with that? Would I still have limitations in terms of what corals I can get?

 

[0verfl0w]

BTW...I found them for $190. The brand is Coralvue with the electronic ballast....good deal?

 

[tizzo]

I am the last person who would know a good deal, but as far as lights, 250's should do you nicely, mostly because of the depth of your tank. Your water temp will be affected (mine is) but it's nothing a fan will not fix.

 

[jhebi]

hey Overflow...can you e-mail me at jhebi4yu@hotmail.com and let me know where you got that deal from. i need to buy one also.
Tks