T5 Photoperiod?

thommyboy121

New Member
Okay, so I bought a 4 X 48'' T5 system that has 2 T5 HO 12,000K bulbs and 2 T5 actinics....I have tried to find any source that could tell me how long my photoperiod should be, but every one I found had an integrated MH bulb as well. I just need to know how long to keep on both types of light so my corals (for now only soft coral) get enough light. Some sources have said 12-16 hours and some say 8-10 (which is a huge difference)....please help!
 
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eric b 125

Guest
you could start with one hour of actinics, 10 hours daylights and actinics, then another hour of just actinics. then moonlights at night. you could stretch the daylight out longer if you want, but i definately suggest doing a sunrise, sunset type of thing
 

sminker

Member
you only have two bulbs with good PAR so you could probably run them as long as you want. within reason of course. 12 hours or so.
 

thommyboy121

New Member
I tried the ten hours....algae bloom would be an understatement for my circumstances. I added another pump for better aeration so I think it may help bc my pH was down a bit. I took down the photoperiod a notch and hope that will help....what are your feelings on a sae urchin for algae??
 
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