Multiple light cycles

Daddy-o · Jan 20, 2020

Been thinking about running my lights 5 hours on and 7 off. I can't seem to find any up to date info. on whether this is a good idea or not. There was some talk years ago about coral farmers doing this but I am unable to locate any info? Does anyone run multiple cycles per day.
Cheers! Mark

piranhaman00 · Jan 21, 2020

Daddy-o said:
Been thinking about running my lights 5 hours on and 7 off. I can't seem to find any up to date info. on whether this is a good idea or not. There was some talk years ago about coral farmers doing this but I am unable to locate any info? Does anyone run multiple cycles per day.
Cheers! Mark

I thought a saw a thread on this a few weeks ago. The reason behind doing this is the thought that photosynthesis can only generate so much energy per light period correct? So in theory running the lights for only the max photosynthesis period and then giving a break and repeating will maximize growth.

Personally, this type of schedule would mess with me as the lights would be going on an off at seemingly random times. However, the theory/logic is sound imo and would be interesting to see how the corals react. Maybe you should pioneer a study!

Daddy-o · Jan 21, 2020

I wouldnt be a "pioneer" From what I see on the web others have tried it. Just trying to see if any fellow reefers run multiple light cycles per day and any issues/insight they may have. I also ran across threads where reefers say that "coral farmers" use this trick but I cannot actually find a single one.
Cheers! Mark

Silent · Jan 21, 2020

I have seen threads here talking about 6, 6, 6, 6 light cycle.

piranhaman00 · Jan 21, 2020

Daddy-o said:
I wouldnt be a "pioneer" From what I see on the web others have tried it. Just trying to see if any fellow reefers run multiple light cycles per day and any issues/insight they may have. I also ran across threads where reefers say that "coral farmers" use this trick but I cannot actually find a single one.
Cheers! Mark

Ya I am aware others have tried it but I also couldnt find much info, I meant to "pioneer" a study where you record actual data for others to follow:)