Guys, I'm struggling to get a lighting regime I'm happy with (Only after a oouple of days). I have a Maxspect Razor 160 W, which has oodles of power, and I'm running it at a max of 60%. I have a 20" deep tank. The Razor can have 6 time spots, with 2 adjustable channels, one with more blue, one less.
My main query is about times, though. Like most people, I guess, I get up about 7 during the week, leave at 7.45am and get home 5.30-6.00pm. My instinct to mimic nature (and this may come from my reef background) is to have it at a fairly low light morning and evening, peaking to max brightness at noon-2pm. Which I guess is good for the plants, but means that during the week it's not so good for me, as in the morning I see it at little more than moonlight levels, and in the evening I see it at dusk going to moonlight levels.
Any way round this dilemma? Or am I wrong about what's good for the plants? I know old books suggest a 2-hour break in middle of day to cut down algae. Is that still good pratice? What times do you guys run lights?
My main query is about times, though. Like most people, I guess, I get up about 7 during the week, leave at 7.45am and get home 5.30-6.00pm. My instinct to mimic nature (and this may come from my reef background) is to have it at a fairly low light morning and evening, peaking to max brightness at noon-2pm. Which I guess is good for the plants, but means that during the week it's not so good for me, as in the morning I see it at little more than moonlight levels, and in the evening I see it at dusk going to moonlight levels.
Any way round this dilemma? Or am I wrong about what's good for the plants? I know old books suggest a 2-hour break in middle of day to cut down algae. Is that still good pratice? What times do you guys run lights?