lighting schedule for reef tank

LPS, SPS and all coral chat
tinylux9
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Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2024 1:43 pm

lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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.
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Marinix
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Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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?
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SeaBidder
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Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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?
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kalinda
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Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by kalinda »

Marinix wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 1:57 pm 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
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:10 pm

Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:57 pm

Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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?
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tidecaster
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Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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?
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sagittar
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Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by sagittar »

tidecaster wrote: Fri May 16, 2025 6:42 pm 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
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Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2024 1:43 pm

Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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!
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Eclips
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Re: lighting schedule for reef tank

Post by 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.
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