2/day light cyckes schedule for busy professionals 4/8/4/8

[Michael White]

Hello, I’ve been reading up on @Dana Riddle’s articles and those from others. My personal schedule dictates that I run a longer than 12 hr light schedule, closer to 15 hrs. I’ve always done this, and it has always seemed too long. I am intrigued by the idea of running two high light schedules per day or other altered schedule.

My two options as I currently see it:

1: 4 on/ 8 off/ 4 on, 8 off ; or 5/7/5/7.

2: maintain current 6am to 9pm but very low levels just for visual observation with a 6hr peak hour period from 2-8pm.

I enjoy the high light period to appreciate the tank and fish. Has anyone seen success on large sps tanks with either one of those?

 

[Formulator]

Is there a reason, other than you “feeling” the current schedule is too long? Cutting back will slow down your growth and with the split schedule your pH will likely suffer. It is an interesting idea though and if your pH is already on the high side maybe it won’t be an issue for you.

I had the same problem but found myself much more likely to interact with/observe the tank for my enjoyment in the evening, so I gave up the morning lights and shifted my 12 hour light schedule so it runs from 10 am to 10pm. The highest intensity portion is 1:30-7:30, so I still get a couple hours of that after work before it dims to the evening blues, which are still enjoyable until 10pm.

 

[Michael White]

Is there a reason, other than you “feeling” the current schedule is too long? Cutting back will slow down your growth and with the split schedule your pH will likely suffer. It is an interesting idea though and if your pH is already on the high side maybe it won’t be an issue for you.

I had the same problem but found myself much more likely to interact with/observe the tank for my enjoyment in the evening, so I gave up the morning lights and shifted my 12 hour light schedule so it runs from 10 am to 10pm. The highest intensity portion is 1:30-7:30, so I still get a couple hours of that after work before it dims to the evening blues, which are still enjoyable until 10pm.

Your solution seems the most reasonable, and I didn’t think about the pH effects. I just like observing my tank when I feed in the morning as well. Maybe just a really low “moonlight” for morning feeding setting or switch to auto feeders during the day. I don’t have any real justification as to why my current schedule seems too long. The idea of not paying for lights to run during hours I’m never available is motivating, but not at the expense of the animals I’m keeping.