How should I be running my Lights?

[lonestar1]

My lights are listed below.

When should the vho's and halides be turned on? How long should each run? How long should I have both halides on?

Right now we have the vho's coming on at 10a till 10p. And 1 halide comes on at 4, the second one at 6, and both off at 8. Is this enough time for the halides?

Thanks.

[edwardlmarshall]

Depends on what you have in your tank. I run my PCs 10-10 and my halides 11-9. I have read in a few places that 4-6 hours is enough, however. Also depends on heat or algae problems, if any.

Also remember that if you are running your halides unevenly, the animals on the side of the tank under the shorter halide are receiving less light. And if they are brand new, be careful not to shock your animals!

[alde]

I run my VHO actinics 11:00 to 11:00 and my 175 watt MH from 12:00 to 10:00. All seems fine with a variaty of LPS and softies. No problems with algea from the lights. On hot day's if the tank gets too hot I will switch the MH off early.

HTH