lighting schedule for reef tank

[tinylux9]

I'm setting up a new 75-gallon reef tank and need advice on lighting schedules. I've got a mix of LPS and SPS, running two AI Prime 16HDs. What's the best ramp-up and duration for growth without stressing them out? Tank's been cycling for 6 weeks, params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8.2 pH, 1.025 salinity.

[Marinix]

For LPS and SPS under Primes, I'd start with a 10-hour total photoperiod, 2-hour ramp up/down. Peak intensity around 60% for 6 hours. Adjust based on coral response—if they're stretching, bump intensity. If they bleach, cut it back. What's your current PAR at the sandbed?

[SeaBidder]

I've got the same lights on a 40 breeder. Tried 12 hours but got algae city. Dialed it back to 8 with a 1-hour ramp. Corals seem chill, but my Goniopora's kinda fussy. Maybe it's the spectrum?

[kalinda]

For LPS and SPS under Primes, I'd start with a 10-hour total photoperiod, 2-hour ramp up/down. Peak intensity around 60% for 6 hours. Adjust based on coral response—if they're stretching, bump intensity. If they bleach, cut it back. What's your current PAR at the sandbed?

Yep, this is solid. My Torches love the 60% peak but my Acros needed 70%. Gonna tweak it slower next time.

[discusKing]

PAR's key here. I run mine at 300–350 at the top, 150–200 mid, 50–100 sandbed. 8-hour peak, 1.5-hour ramps. No algae issues since I added a refugium on reverse cycle. What's your nutrient export like?

[Floralynx]

My Zoas hated long ramps. Switched to 30-minute sunrise/sunset, 7-hour peak at 50%. They're popping now. Maybe some corals just wanna get to business faster?

[tidecaster]

Newbie here—how do you measure PAR? I've got a mixed tank but no meter. Running cheap LEDs from Amazon, 10 hours straight. Everything's alive but not thriving. Should I invest in a PAR meter before upgrading lights?

[sagittar]

Newbie here—how do you measure PAR? I've got a mixed tank but no meter. Running cheap LEDs from Amazon, 10 hours straight. Everything's alive but not thriving. Should I invest in a PAR meter before upgrading lights?

Borrow one if you can. Cheap LEDs often lack intensity. My tank didn't take off until I hit 200 PAR at the rocks. Local clubs usually have meters to loan.

[tinylux9]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll start with Marinix's schedule and grab a PAR meter to dial it in. Appreciate the help!

[Eclips]

I've seen tanks thrive under all kinds of schedules. Consistency matters more than perfection. Pick a plan, stick to it for a month, then adjust. My Duncan's grown 3 heads in 4 months on a simple 8-hour cycle.