Bio cube 32 coralife

[Ancient Bonsai]

What is best light schedule for growing coral?

in bio cube coralife 32g

[geekreef_05]

Depends on what your growing, light intensity and algae production. 

 

Very generally people use an 8 to 12hr range. Most are probably in the 8 to 10hr mark. 

 

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/what-is-the-best-lighting-schedule

 

If you have control over blues and moonlights potentially you can ramp up/down the lights for morning/evening. 

 

More complex schedules like David Saxbys include cloud movement during the day, moonlight intensity that matches the lunar cycle, etc. 

 

Hope that helps

 

[PJPS]

On 2/12/2023 at 8:21 PM, Ancient Bonsai said:

What is best light schedule for growing coral?

in bio cube coralife 32g

On a biocube, given you can't control spectrum or intensity (at least you couldn't on any of mine).  I used this

 

LC1 (Daylights):  11:00 am to 7:00 pm

LC2 (Sunrise / Sunset):  10:30 am to 7:00 pm

LC3 (Moon Lights):  7:00 am to Midnight

 

 

[mcarroll]

On 2/12/2023 at 8:21 PM, Ancient Bonsai said:

What is best light schedule for growing coral?

in bio cube coralife 32g

Corals are from the tropics, so 12 hours of daytime is the most logical target.

 

In the old days (or now if your lights don't have a sunrise/sunset function) it was typical to limit the daylight hours to between 4 and 8 hours.  This saved on bulb hours (which had to be replaced every 6-12 months) and allowed some control over the tank's DLI (daily light integral).  It works extremely well if you're in that situation.  But sunrise/sunset is way more fun as it makes for longer tank viewing hours. 😉 

[mcarroll]

FYI, it sounds like LC2 actually does have sunrise/sunset function.

 

In that case, that channel should run 30 minutes in the morning before (LC1) the daylight channel AND run 30 minutes longer at night than the daylight channel.

 

You probably don't want any other channel on while the sunrise or sunset are happening if you want maximum effect.

 

Also, don't forget to set the tank's schedule to match YOUR scedule....doesn't have to be the actual daylight schedule.