How long 4 lights?

[GobyInPeace]

I am just getting started on my my first nano (20G). I ordered an Aqualight 2 X 65W 50/50 10,000K/actinic fixture with dual plugs. How many hours a day should I run each bulb to cure my LR and to help spread coralline algae growth?

 

Thanks,

Spike

[Physh1]

In my opinion, it's best to not use lights for cycling. Why? You will avoid the horrible algae blooms that can occur from the high die off (aka excess nutrients) and abundant light. You can start turning the lights on after the cycle is completed.

 

Coraline algae is more dependant on calcium rather than light. In many tanks, while cycling with no lights, I had coraline growth. Lighting and coraline growth are not dependant on eachother.

 

Once the cycle is done a typical light cycle is 8-10 hours.

 

Cameron

[wetworx101]

I agree, but some more things might die then that you might want to keep (like encrusted macro/ corals). I ran my lights for just a few hours a day to keep these goodies alive, just prevent a bloom.