How long to you run your metal halides

[BlondNasoTang]

I run my MH lights 10am to 10pm and LED moon lights 10pm to midnight.

[Johnny Reefer]

7 1/2 hours a day....but not every day. Two days a week I don't run them at all. Simulates an "overcast" day.

[michika]

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

7 1/2 hours a day....but not every day. Two days a week I don't run them at all. Simulates an "overcast" day.

Do you think having overcast couple of days work in your tank's favor?

[Johnny Reefer]

Originally Posted by michika

Do you think having overcast couple of days work in your tank's favor?

Yes, I do. The use of less light is beneficial towards algae control.

[scsi]

Actinics only 430AM - 630AM
Actinics and 1 MH 630AM - 1030AM
Actinics and 2 MH 1030AM - 330PM
Actinics and 1 MH 330pm - 500PM
Actinics only 500PM - 700PM
Moon lights only 700PM - 430AM

At least that's what I was thinking of doing. Looked up sunrise/sunset in Fiji

[Myanth]

Two 48" actinics on from 6:00am until 10:00pm
Two 250W MH 20,000K geissman (sp?) from 8-8
well, to be totally geeky, the east light turns on at 8:00 am and turns off at 6:00 and the west light turns on at 10:00 am and turns off at 8:00 pm.

I have a large anemone that I need to keep on it's cliff and by allowing it the last two hours of light, it stays there all night.

I use three outdoor timers that are specifically designed for block heaters. I got them at home depot. They are waterproof, have ground fault built in although I use ground fault receptacles as well, also they are made for the full 15amp load. I've been using them for two years without issue. Although when the power goes out for any length of time my corals move time zones.

my two bits.