Too Short of Photoperiod for SPS?

db_triggerfish · #1 04/04/2007, 02:52 PM

Is a 6 hour photoperiod enough for SPS?
from 6pm to 12 midnight?

75g RR tank height 20"

2 x 250 watt MH Pheonix 14K DE bulbs

would also run 260 watt pc 50/50 1 hour before and 1 hour after for a total 2 hours of pc light.

using the new electronic aquatraders light with new bulbs.

Protien Skimmer: EuroReef RS80
Quad wavemaker. with mj1200

I would post in lighting forum but really want people with sps experience.

Florida electric is expensive since last hurricane.

Thanks,

REEF-DADDY · #2 04/04/2007, 03:15 PM

inho thats plenty

t5Nitro · #3 04/04/2007, 03:59 PM

6 hours is fine. That's what I am going to run my halides for is 6 hours also.

Saldarya · #4 04/04/2007, 04:00 PM

I run a 6 hour MH photoperiod and growth is consistenly good. That being said, tank is only 12" deep and I am using 10K 250w w/ Lumenarcs. So I punch alot of light in that 6 hours.

otterpop510 · #5 04/04/2007, 06:39 PM

i use 6 hour per MH light too, but stagger my on/off of my two MH's so that they have 2 hours on alone, then 4 hours on together, so corals get total of 8 hours of MH light, 6 hr direct, 2 hour indirect (for those more under a single MH). but 6 hours should be fine..

Denadai · #6 04/04/2007, 06:44 PM

I´m using 6 hours, all is fine

naka · #7 04/04/2007, 06:45 PM

6.5 hours total light period.

DMK · #8 04/04/2007, 07:30 PM

me too.

mile sq. reefer · #9 04/04/2007, 08:06 PM

seven hours MH lighting only.

db_triggerfish · #10 04/04/2007, 08:34 PM

Thanks...

blue20051 · #11 04/04/2007, 08:45 PM

Seven hours here and all sps are doing fine.

7thheaven · #12 04/04/2007, 10:24 PM

How about T5 case?

I have ATI powermodule for 10bulbs in my 100gal SPS tank.

6 hours is OK? Now my Photoperiod is 8 hours.

reefez · #13 04/05/2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Seven hours here and all sps are doing fine.

So 7 hrs. total with the Vhos? Do any of you notice any color changes in the decreased photo period? More intense colors? More washed out? How is your SPS growth rate with a 6-7hr. photo period?

PITSTOP · #14 04/05/2007, 04:27 AM

5.5 hours - dual 400's on a 120

Kolognekoral · #15 04/05/2007, 04:53 AM

Guys, where are you taking this number? The reef is naturally lit for 12 hours per day, every day of the year, weather permiting. Less than 10 hours of lighting would be very unnatural, imo.

I run a 12 hour day, with 10 hours HQI and 1 hour before and after with actinic.

dkh0331 · #16 04/05/2007, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kolognekoral
Guys, where are you taking this number? The reef is naturally lit for 12 hours per day, every day of the year, weather permiting. Less than 10 hours of lighting would be very unnatural, imo.

I run a 12 hour day, with 10 hours HQI and 1 hour before and after with actinic.

The sun is 93 million miles away. Lights are 8".

We aren't trying to recreate the sun. We are trying to provide enough light, with all the important wavelengths, for the corals to prosper. Many people run their lights with far less than 6 hours of light.

No two tanks are alike. If you need 12, then you need 12. If someone else can do it with 4, then so be it.

It's all about each individuals tank and their set-up. No "must have 12 hours of MH for corals to prosper."

IMPHO.

fishsoldseprtly · #17 04/05/2007, 09:22 AM

5hrs here and everything looks great

Kolognekoral · #18 04/05/2007, 10:12 AM

I suppose, if this works for you, then it works for you. It has nothing to do with recreating a reef environment, however! Corals are not the only things making a living in the aquarium. Reefs have adapted to a specific light-dark cycle and, if this is not recreated, then you are benefiting some organisms and not others. Ultimately, I would expect such a system to collapse, unless it is constantly doctored to correct the imbalance.

dkh0331 · #19 04/05/2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kolognekoral
Ultimately, I would expect such a system to collapse, unless it is constantly doctored to correct the imbalance.

The sky is falling, the sky is falling.....

People have been successfully running reefs with minimal lighting for years.

BLKTANG · #20 04/05/2007, 10:39 AM

10 hours here.

Kolognekoral · #21 04/05/2007, 10:42 AM

Strikes me as though you all prefer to make it unnatural and more difficult! I kept reefs going before we had good HQI, but they were not very natural. I was hoping for someone to present an intelligent foundation for their lighting practices. Anyone out there following a more natural lighting plan?

deansreef · #22 04/05/2007, 10:44 AM

10 hrs here also

Kolognekoral · #23 04/05/2007, 10:59 AM

Ohh, good, I'm not alone! I feel better.

twon8 · #24 04/05/2007, 11:17 AM

on the 180 lights come on at 10, go off at 1:30 am, so i am at a 15 hour photoperiod, 12 with both halides.

on my 90 the lights come on at 11, half hour of 1t5, then halides on for 13 hours.

johnanddawn · #25 04/05/2007, 11:25 AM

12 hours of actinic year round but.......
10 hrs. halides in the winter and 6 in the summer to help with excess heat issues - no other reason. i build up and down over a month or so