Split lighting schedule

[SlicVic]

Hi Everybody!
Okay, I am currently running my light from 6:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. I am wondering if you could have 4 hours on in the morning and then 4 hours on in the evening instead of all at once. Will this affect the coral negatively?

 

[cloak]

Couldn't you just put the light on a timer? Not sure if I understand the question. On off, on off?

 

[Spare time]

I would think it would mess up circadian rhythms of the inhabitants. What is the goal?

 

[Jekyl]

Think mine are set to about 8am to 8pm. Rather than split could just increase and adjust.

 

[SlicVic]

I would think it would mess up circadian rhythms of the inhabitants. What is the goal?

I was afraid of that...I just wanted them on when I am home. With summer activities, I am gone alot!

 

[Spare time]

I was afraid of that...I just wanted them on when I am home. With summer activities, I am gone alot!

Maybe have the lights come on later? That's what I do for my apartment freshwater tank.

 

[SlicVic]

Couldn't you just put the light on a timer? Not sure if I understand the question. On off, on off?

I have a timer. Too much light makes algae so I don't want the lights on all day. I don't want to upset the circadian rhythm of my animals though!

 

[SlicVic]

Think mine are set to about 8am to 8pm. Rather than split could just increase and adjust.

Couldn't you just put the light on a timer? Not sure if I understand the question. On off, on off?

Too much light makes algae so I don't want the lights on all day. I don't want to upset the circadian rhythm of my animals though!

 

[Spare time]

I have a timer. Too much light makes algae so I don't want the lights on all day. I don't want to upset the circadian rhythm of my animals though!

If you are getting lots of algae I'd get more snails.

 

[Jekyl]

Too much light makes algae so I don't want the lights on all day. I don't want to upset the circadian rhythm of my animals though!

Fish don't need the light at all. They will be fine from ambient and natural lighting. Without using for the intention of keeping coral, the lights are for your pleasure only.

 

[cloak]

Sounds like you're in a pickle... If anything, stability is key. GL.

 

[SlicVic]

Fish don't need the light at all. They will be fine from ambient and natural lighting. Without using for the intention of keeping coral, the lights are for your pleasure only.

How many hours of light do the corals need?

 

[Solo McReefer]

It would be like a storm cloud rolled in on the reef

Then rolled out

Anyway, just do 10 to 10 instead of 8 to 8 if you want them on later

Turn your Moon feature on, perhaps?

 

[Solo McReefer]

How many hours of light do the corals need?

It's most likely the other way around

If zooxanthelae are like most other plants and algae, they "grow" when it is "night"

 

[teleportinghere]

I saw a video of someone saying that they grew Zoanthids the best under a split schedule and it seems that plenty of people run similar schedules with no ill effects. Here's a thread talking about it if you wanna see some different perspectives on it. If the animals are exhibiting normal behavior and the coral growth is healthy, then you're good to go!

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/4-8-4-8-lighting-cycles.676234/