MY QUESTION IS: I RUN THE LIGHTS FOR 10 HRS.PER DAY. I HAVE A LFS TELLING ME TO RUN THE HALIDES DURING THE DAY AND THE ACTINICS AT NIGHT . IS THIS CORRECT? OR IS THIS THE LAST TIME A SHOP THERE.
I would disagree with the LFS. Actinics appear dark, but that's only because they put out light in the 420-430nm range. We just can't see it well. Having them on all night means your coral don't get any dark time. This has been proven to be very detrimental to coral, especially the nighttime feeing types (most).
It's personal prefenance, but I would run the actinics 1.5 hours, then turn on the MH (leaving the actinic on). Run the MH 6 - 8 hours and then shut off the Actinic 1.5 hours after that. I have no scientific basis for the timing, but that would be my preference. I would definately NOT run the actinic all night.
TOTALLY agree with Guy. Some people like to run the actinics a little longer (up to 10 hours) but not necessary. Your corals (and fish for that matter) need about 8 hours of dark time. Keep in mind that if they are in a sunlit room, the time after the sun rises should not be considered in your "dark time" even if your tank lights are out, IMO, or even if the tank is not in direct sunlight.
