Planted Aquarium Lights

[bigdave2009]

i just started my first planted aquarium ever. i have a timer and a decent compact fluorescent light . i was wondering what is a good cycle, to have the light come off and on for how many hours. i also have 2 lunar lights that come on at night. thanks!

 

[Luketendo]

What's the wattage and volume of aquarium?

 

[bigdave2009]

What's the wattage and volume of aquarium?

2 bulbs- 65 watts = 130 total watts, 55 gallons

2.3 watts per gallon

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Depends on the plants. Mine are on for 8-9 hours and it does ok.

 

[rabbut]

I run mine as follows;

5 hours all on
2 hour rest
5 hours all on

I find that somehow the 2 hour siesta in the middle reduces algae without harming the plants. Fish soon get used to it too.

HTH
Rabbut

 

[rdd1952]

I run mine on a double shift so they are on when we are home most. They come one at 6 in the morning and go off at 10 and then back on at 4 in the afternoon and back off at 10 so they are on a total of 10 hours a day. Some people believe the break in lighting helps prevent algae but that isn't the reason I do it (not sure whether it really helps in that respect or not as I've seen no scientific proof). It is strictly so they are on when we are there to view the fish.