Help me with a light schedule that works

[Reefgirly]

I

I have 2 options. Schedule or manual.

I have all kinds of different corals and anemones.

I’m using the Red Sea max e170 and the light that came with it. I think it is a reef 50.

I’m still trying to figure out what my lights should be set on but truly have no idea.

 

[Hooz]

Red Sea Max 26 is just an AI Hydra 26HD. I'd recommend a BRS type AB+ spectrum, the "schedule" is completely up to you.

I'd suggest starting with this video to get an understanding of how the light works, and some good settings to get you started.

 

[bubbgee]

I previously joined this FB group of AI Prime and Hydra users with preset files they were all sharing..
www.facebook.com/groups/1477764189220183

The pennywise deadlights settings were great for me.

 

[MyFirstCar]

I just used the David Saxby settings: https://www.aquaillumination.com/signature_series/david-saxby

They're the most popular and they're pretty set it and forget it

 

[TheNative192]

The schedule I use is a 12 hour schedule it’s modified from the Pennywise schedule which is designed for the AI hydra and prime. My main modifications was I lowered some of the whites, reds, & greens to lower algae growth and I lowered the intensity slightly to focus on LPS and soft coral growth.

It grows LPS well towards the top of the tank (rocks) and softies towards the bottom. I would keep the light ten inches from the surface.

You can change the time by dragging it left and right with two fingers and can increase the intensity by going up or down with two fingers.

Here is link to it:

 

[TheNative192]

You need to turn down your lights on blues!!! That will definitely burn out the bulbs at over 100%. Also UV and Violet are spectrums used to grow corals so make sure you add those in! Unless you are trying to grow SPS corals which I would avoid as a beginner I would stick to everything being 70% or less. Also no more than 7% for red & greens and under 25% for clear whites. The more whites the more algae and scraping you have to do though. Also the corals color pops way better on blue lights. I used to like high white colors until I got used to the blue.

 

[EliMelly]

Has anyone asked what the tank age is? Your tank is brand new, ideally your lights shouldn’t be on at all to let beneficial bacteria grow and prevent the uglies. If you already added corals then you want it very low and to slowly ramp up.

 

[Reefgirly]

Has anyone asked what the tank age is? Your tank is brand new, ideally your lights shouldn’t be on at all to let beneficial bacteria grow and prevent the uglies. If you already added corals then you want it very low and to slowly ramp up.

I transferred tanks. This is the new tank. I asked the lfs and read a ton of forms and things online about if I needed to cycle the new tank or if transferring with all of the stuff would be okay. Pretty much almost everything said it’s okay with the same filter media, live sand, & live rock and I transferred it a few weeks ago and everything is still thriving and water levels are perfect.

 

[EliMelly]

I transferred tanks. This is the new tank. I asked the lfs and read a ton of forms and things online about if I needed to cycle the new tank or if transferring with all of the stuff would be okay. Pretty much almost everything said it’s okay with the same filter media, live sand, & live rock and I transferred it a few weeks ago and everything is still thriving and water levels are perfect.

How old was the other tank?

 

[Reefgirly]

I transferred tanks. This is the new tank. I asked the lfs and read a ton of forms and things online about if I needed to cycle the new tank or if transferring with all of the stuff would be okay. Pretty much almost everything said it’s okay with the same filter media, live sand, & live rock and I transferred it a few weeks ago and everything is still thriving and water levels are perfect.

How old was the other tank?

About 3.5-4 months when I transferred it to the new tank. Still pretty new.

 

[EliMelly]

About 3.5-4 months when I transferred it to the new tank. Still pretty new.

Right, I suggest keeping lights as low as possible while allowing beneficial bacteria to grow.

 

[X-37B]

First light the tank from day one. I never understood the no light for weeks/months but doesn't mean it won't work for some.
For your tank transfer light should be on your normal schedule day one.
You can grow anything with these settings I ran on my 18" nano cube.
1hr up/down
8hrs peak
Total 10hrs
First 4 100%
The rest 50%
Nice color at these setting also!
Zero to 10 months

 

[Miami Reef]

I never understood the no light for weeks/months but doesn't mean it won't work for some.

I agree.

You’d be hard pressed to find bacteria outcompeting photosynthetic algae.

You just need herbivores.

 

[MyFirstCar]

Yeah I've never put stock in the lights off camp, but also 3-4 months is plenty old enough for light even if using the no light to start strategy