New T5 / Reefbrite Owner - Question Regarding Light Schedule

[Christopher Poore]

Hello All!

I am new to the T5 world. Switched over from Radions a while back and thus far I've been happy! I own an ATI 8 Bulb Fixture with the following bulbs: 6x B+ / 1x C+ / 1x Actinic.

I am running a Mixed Reef but am slowly moving to SPS Dominate.

My current light schedule looks like this:

(12hr) ReefBrites: On 12:00 / Off: 24:00
(5.5hr) B+ 1C+: On 13:00 / Off: 18:30
(4.5hr) 5B+ 1Actinic: On 18:30 / Off: 23:00
T5's are on 10 hours total

As you can see above, I am only running 6 bulbs as I've been acclimating my corals to the T5. I have tested some time with all 8 bulbs on and I believe I'm ready to switch to a full light schedule.

The question I do not know the answer to is; How long should I run all 8 bulbs + reef brites? I am thinking 4.5-5 hours. Any advice here? This is what I've devised:

(12hr) ReefBrites: On 12:00 / Off: 24:00
(10hr) 2x B+: On 13:00 / Off: 23:00
(5hr) ALL 8 Bulbs : On 15:30 / Off 20:30

Reefbrite on 12hr, 2bulbs are on for 10 hours total and 8 bulbs are on for 5hr total. Thoughts?

 

[Christopher Poore]

bumppppp

 

[reefwiser]

You only need a max of 4 hours with all the lights on. With a total of 10 hours.

 

[Christopher Poore]

Thanks!

 

[Blue Ring Octopus]

Run the Leds the most, all on then the two T-5 run them like a sunrise to sunset. They are on for at least 8 hours 2 before then the 6 bulb so eight total then 6 off and two still on. Mimic the sun with your T-5's.