Lighting schedule?

[LLTooSweet]

OK.. after all the researching and a billion questions to fellow reefers I've chosen the lights for my 125 reef tank. I went with metal halide even after I was told T5's were plenty adequate for my standard 125 gallon tank. Even after all the warnings about high electric bills and temperature issues. Only reason being that if I do plan to ugrade in the future.. perhaps to a bigger.. taller tank, the MH will reach the bottom. I currently run MH on my 65 gallon and recently just swapped over to a Phoenix bulb and I am happy with the outcome. I corals seem to be happy also.


I'm running my 65 tank on MH for 8 hours a day. My t5 actinic for about 16hours. I actually turn my T5's on when I wake up in the morning 6AM to enjoy my tank before I go to work and have them set to turn off at 10PM. Its acts as my alarm clock to tell me when the tank turns off, its about time for bed. SO far my corals are doing great.

My new light setup for my 125 has 3 250wt MH. 4 PC Actinic

Here's my question... I'm hoping to run my actinic bulbs on the same schedule as my 65. BUT instead of running all 3 MH at the same time for 8 hours, I'm hoping to set them on separate timers so only one turn on at a time going from one side of the tank to the other. Kinda like how the sun would travel from east to west. Now should I run each MH about 2 1/2 hours each overlapping their times so right after one mh turns on and powers up the other will shut off. Total of 7 1/2 hours a day? Or should I lenghten the times more so that area under each lights gets more time? If you understand what I'm saying. I'm just trying to help lessen my electricty bill plus help out with the temperature a little if there's only one MH one at a time instead of three.

Any suggestions is appreciated. Please don't be afraid to tell me this is a horrorable idea if thats what you believe but at least give me a reason why.

Thanks

 

[mojo]

I think if you like it thats what is important. I think it will be good. The only complaint by people who do this in my experience is when they lok at the tank and part of it is dark. They want all on or none at all. But not a bad idea all.

 

[LLTooSweet]

I guess when I really want to admire my tank I can always flip a switch and turn them all on.

 

[mojo]

right, I think your corals will be fine.

Mojo~