Lighting

[njslocksmith]

Was just wondering how often people leave lights on there planted tanks , I have mine set on a timer to come on at 10am and turn off at 10pm, so 12 hours is this to long ? I noticed some hair algae on plant attached to drift wood, just wondering if this could be the reason ?

[Robert]

lighting could be one of the factors. personally i think 12hrs is long. Mine turn on at 1 and off at 9 so i get about 8hrs of viewing time.

[fishmosy]

Most books I've read recommend 8-10 hours per day. I run 10 hours but I have low-medium light and have a 1hour siesta.

[Daydream]

My planted tanks high or low light co2 or not get 8hrs.Would say to much light could be the problem but it could be lack of something or to much of something.Do you use ferts reg waterchanges what ferts and how often.and what are your water peramaters.

[njslocksmith]

Most books I've read recommend 8-10 hours per day. I run 10 hours but I have low-medium light and have a 1hour siesta.

Ok so could I cut down on hours but have a brake during the day when I'm not home ? Eg I'm a tardy I'm up eary say 6:30 am so lights come on at 7 am off at 10am = 3 hours

I'm home by 5pm most days . so lights back on at 5 pm and off at 10pm = 5 hours

So total of 8 hours for the day and I get most viewing time as possible :)

Or is it better to have a full hour block with no brakes in between ?

[fishmosy]

I use a siesta because it supposedly messes with algae and helps prevent outbreaks. Don't know if it actually works but if it isn't broke, don't fix it. From memory it is the 1 hour break that does the trick.

If I was using CO2 I would use one block.

I dont know if your 3,5 plan would work as I've never done it. Assuming you dont use CO2, my advice is to try it and see how your plants grow. It would be good for you to view your tank that you no doubt work so hard on.