How long Should I have my lights on for

loudog · 05-01-2008, 08:24 AM

I have a 3 month old 50g marine tank with 3 65w 50/50 compact fl. I have them on my coralife timmer. right now they are runnig for 8hrs. 1pm-9pm. I have 4 fish, a bubble tip anemone, small star polyps and small zoas that seem to be doing fine for the last month. Some alge in the tank but not much.

Is this enought wattage (4 per gallon)? and what is a good amount of light time.

nikkipigtails · 05-01-2008, 09:07 AM

The wattage per gallon is kind of an antiquated way of measuring how much light is appropriate for your tank. I must say though that your tank is pretty new to have a BTA. They're only recommended for mature, well-established tanks because they have a very slow metabolism. They are extremely dependant on light because they host zooanthellae which are photosynthetic. 8 hours is the minimum I would recommend for any reef tank, but ours runs for 12.

I'll let someone else talk about PAR ratings.

05-01-2008, 08:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
loudog Tunicate Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2 View Gallery Karma Komment	How long Should I have my lights on for I have a 3 month old 50g marine tank with 3 65w 50/50 compact fl. I have them on my coralife timmer. right now they are runnig for 8hrs. 1pm-9pm. I have 4 fish, a bubble tip anemone, small star polyps and small zoas that seem to be doing fine for the last month. Some alge in the tank but not much. Is this enought wattage (4 per gallon)? and what is a good amount of light time. Last edited by loudog : 05-01-2008 at 08:25 AM. Reason: spelling

05-01-2008, 09:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
nikkipigtails Manta Ray Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3,033 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: How long Should I have my lights on for The wattage per gallon is kind of an antiquated way of measuring how much light is appropriate for your tank. I must say though that your tank is pretty new to have a BTA. They're only recommended for mature, well-established tanks because they have a very slow metabolism. They are extremely dependant on light because they host zooanthellae which are photosynthetic. 8 hours is the minimum I would recommend for any reef tank, but ours runs for 12. I'll let someone else talk about PAR ratings. __________________ No man ever reached excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation. - Horace

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