What photo period for sump?

[pisces]

Jusy got my sump filled with mineral mud, live sand and cheato but was wondering what photo period I should be looking at? The tank is lit from 10:00 until 23:00 sequencially using 4 pairs of Aquarays and the sump has a 125W Envirolite. I was thinking of lighting the sump from about midnight to 9:00. Any suggestions / advice?

[Sanj]

It is proabaly ok, but if the reason for why people use reverse lighting is in part to counter ph swings, would it not be better to map more closely the times when the main system goes off i.e sump lights come on at 23.00 when main system goes off and the sump goes off when the main system goes on?

[Sanj]

But like i intitially commented, you suggestion is probably fine because i dont think there would be a major build up of co2 in one hour and therefore probbaly very small impact on ph.

[Long dave]

mines a 24/7 lit,
some people use reverse cycle (like your suggesting)
i prefer 24/7 as it means the chaeto can grow and remove nitrates 24/7 via photosynthesis

[Vicky_99]

Ours is lit 24/7 too.

Vicky

[Haile S]

I run my sump lighting on a semi reverse photo period to give the light bulbs and critters a break.

halides on 11-9
sump light off 1-6

RE ph swings:

i also run a calcium reactor from 11.30 -8.30 which will also help to reduce ph swings.

[pisces]

OK I suppose I am trying to be a bit stingy by not lighting the sump for the total lights out period! :o Ah well, in for a penny..... :laugh:

[Cranners]

Go 24/7 how much energy does the envirolight use? I have been told to break the light cycle during the daytime to provide a 'break' for the algae.

So far I am getting really good growth with the algae 24/7 with T5's I am planning to get an envirolight this year to replace the T5's

J

[pisces]

The Enviroilte is 125 watts. I just don't see the point in wasting money! And if it's beneficial to have a lighting break during the day then that's a bonus!