Refugium lighting hours

[JYC1128]

Hi everyone, does the refugium light have to be on 24/7 or only have to be on for certain amount of time? How many watt light is best for a compartment thats 16"X6"? Thanks for any help! :thrash:

 

[jmaquatic]

I purchased a light that looked purple and its made for plant growth fron Home Depot I ran my light 12 hrs at night and off 12 during the day. But I would play with it run it for 24hrs for a few days then run it for 12hrs during the day and few days later run it at night and ever time you change it test your parameters and based on how your tank reacts go with the one with the best results for you. Every one will tell you different but from running a few fuges myself I find all systems react different so just go with w.e your tank reacts best too

 

[beerfish]

Some people run it 24 hours a day, but I've found that running it while the main lights are off works fine and helps offset the pH difference.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Some people run it 24 hours a day, but I've found that running it while the main lights are off works fine and helps offset the pH difference.

I agree

 

[cmantis]

On my 40 rack build I run when main lights are off. However on my AIO its in my one room apt so is it ok to run when main lights are on? I know the idea of opposite schedule is maintain ph so wasnt sure.

 

[viplok]

i run mines with my main light. due to tank is somewhat close to my bed. proper alk will help maintain ph dont think a sump will do much

 

[homegrowncichlid]

I used to run the reverse photoperiod on my sump, but since it was an open stand, the fish I had in there all went crazy and died. Took me a couple of weeks to figure out they couldn't sleep.