I searched but can't find any topics. I should know this but think it was part of my problems previously with my tanks and algae.....having the lights on too long each day. Is there a general rule of thumb for how long to have the lights on in the tank? I will have a 29g reef, softies, and fish. My lights are shot from previous so looking into T5's also. Suggestions for lighting and time frames needed and appreciated.

Hi Signmom99,

I have a Biocube 29, I run my white compact flourescents (1 10k, 1 14k) for 10 hours a day and actinic for 12 hours (1 Actinic). I also get some natural sunlight into the tank for about an hour a day. Algae growth is manageable.

If you are getting overrun with algae growth, you may be over feeding.

T5s, I would probably run a 11 hour photoperiod... maybe 12. I run metal halides for 10 hours, which some consider long, but as long as you do water changes and have enough LR, you should be ok. I actually have 2 MHs on my tank (48" long), and run the one on the left from 10AM-8PM and the one on the right from 12PM-10PM, so it's really 12 hours total photoperiod.