6 bulb ATI light cycle suggestions

[ReefAddict16]

Hi reefers. I’m running a 6 bulb Ati Sunpower fixture with a reefbrite XHO that’s only used for dusk/dawn.
I was wondering how long I should run my lights for and suggestions if I’m receiving too much par as I don’t have a par meter.
Fixture is mounted 8” above water line and most of my acros are mounted 7-10 inches below water line.
Front-Back
Coral+
Actinic
Blue+
Coral+
Purple+
Blue+

 

[29bonsaireef]

I run my 6x24w ATI for 8 hours, no dusk/dawn. I have it mounted 10" above water line and most of my acros/sps are within 3-5" of the surface and they're fine. I think you should be okay with your light placement. Do you ask because you're having issues? or just curious what others are running?

 

[J. Austin]

Are both the Coral + on the same channel? I'd ditch a coral + for another blue + if I were you. Would still have a nice bright look with one Coral +. I'd run the blue channel with the LEDs for 8-10 ours and the main channel with the Coral+ for 6-8 depending on your taste and how the corals react. Start at 6 and move up slowly.

FYI, the Blue+ T5 has just about the same par as the Coral+ so you won't lose much par if you swap one out for more blue. But, if you like the brighter white look, keep what you got.

 

[ReefAddict16]

I run my 6x24w ATI for 8 hours, no dusk/dawn. I have it mounted 10" above water line and most of my acros/sps are within 3-5" of the surface and they're fine. I think you should be okay with your light placement. Do you ask because you're having issues? or just curious what others are running?

Just curious what others are running.

 

[SDboatguy]

When I was running straight T5(retro fit) I staggered the timing -2 on for 12hrs ,an hour after they started 2 more came on, and the last 2 an hour after that. Ran all 6 for 8 hours, then started "ramped down" in reverse. For your set up ,I'd probably go - LEDs on for an hour then start with Act/P+(or B+) for an hour. Then start the others , have all the lights going for 7-8 hours then ramp back down. Just my preference, I like to see the tank change from bright to dark slower than just on/off. Lots of tanks out there that are 8-10 hrs and done, some are on 12-14 hrs as well...

 

[zoasaholic]

I’m running 6pm to 12 pm
ATI T5 6 bulbs 10” from water line

 

[zoasaholic]

I’m running 6pm to 12pm
ATI T5 36” 6 bulbs 10” from water line
Mix reef

 

[BigJohnny]

I have the following from back to front:

Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Coral Plus
Geiseman Super Actinic
Blue Plus
Coral Plus

I also have 2 kessil a350ws set at 25% blue/25% white (or whatever the two channels are)

I run:

2 Blue Plus T5s - 12 hours
2 Kessil a350w - 7 hours
4 other T5s - 5 hours