Lighting Schedule

[Laconic]

Read this from the Dennerle website (http://www.dennerle.com/en/HG10.htm):

The following rhythm has proven effective: At least 4 - 5 hours of light in the morning. Then a break of 2 - 4 hours without light. Followed by at least 4 to 7 hours of light. The tank should not be totally blacked out during the break (diffuse light from a window 2 - 3 metres away or an incandescent lamp positioned 1 - 2 metres away).

The periods with bright light should always be of at least 4 hours’ duration. Plants will be unable to make effective use of shorter periods. Contrary to common belief, we have not observed any negative effects on either fish or plants. Presumably because strong reductions in light are relatively common in the tropics, as a result of thunderstorms, for example.

Algae evidently do not like these “midday breaks”. It remains to be established whether this is due to the fact that the “primitive” algae are less adaptable than the “modern” aquarium plants or whether an improvement in the oxidation/reduction balance is the primary factor here. This method proves amazingly effective at combating algae."

Has anyhow tried it? And if yes, is it really effective?

[dwgi32]

My setting is quite similar to the mentioned article. 4 hrs of light followed by 10 hrs of breaks then 4 hrs of light again. As my tank is facing the window, this fulfill the point of no having total darkness during the light-off periods.

So far, no algae problem. But i would reckon that it might be partly due to Co2 injection too.

Cheers

[Shadow]

Never try, I do not have algae issue in the first place

However I did try 3 hrs diffuse light (PL) followed by 3 hrs intense light (MH) followed by 3 hrs diffuse light (PL), apparently the plants start dying off. So I guess the statement of "periods with bright light should always be of at least 4 hours’ duration" is confirm true.

There is other possibilities, maybe during light off/diffuse periode, CO2 concentration incease. This is based on the assumption that plants have enough nutrient. Thus algae grow can only be due to lack of CO2. This was mention by AQ bro before.

[Morgan01]

that's my setting also...moreover hook up UV sterilizer...BUT STILL having some BBA as well as green algae stain on glass issues.

could be due to overstock? i don't know but certainly if someone can help me much appreciated.

[Shadow]

Hi Morgan01, you should start thread in algae section. Also you need to state how many ppm is your CO2? what is your fert dossing? how many watt is your light? how big is your tank? basically your tank parameter

[Aquaria One]

Also maybe you could state the amount of fishes in your tank, the bioload to help diagnose your bba algae problem.

[oceanus]

this is quite troublesome for setting the light timer in such a way ..

[ghim]

Not really that hard to set the schedule. Can easily done using a timer.

May I should try

[blue33]

this is quite troublesome for setting the light timer in such a way ..

Agreed with ghim. Setting the timer is a one time job, dont understand why is it a difficult job?

[Laconic]

Concur. If it's effective it isn't such a hassle to set it up. Only thing is that I feel this schedule is fairly artificial. Wouldn't it mess up the fishes' and plants' bio-clock (assuming they have one in the first place!)?

[blue33]

The ideal is to prevent the algae from growing if you read carefully. Plants and fauna can adjust the break easily.

[ghim]

Plants will have their own schedule. So will even 'sleep' when the lights are on - those stem plants which close leaves.

Choose a lighting schedule that suits your plants.

[Loopy]

Yes. This does work. My lighting schedule is somewhat like this. A break. I found this out by accident cause I thought it would make sense. Then read that the algae hates it and goes wonky. Frustration breeds innovation I say!

Here are my settings:

Plant Tank At Home - 325L 4FTX1.5FTX2FT (Length, Width and Height) X6 54W/10K T5's. X2 EHEIM 2028 and an Internal 500LPH Filter. TECO Chiller. (Edit: This is hooked up to an EHEIM External Pump - For those who are wondering, running the canisters thru the chiller "seem" to mess up the flow to me)
1.) 7AM~10AM - 3.hrs (When I wake up and leave for work)
2.) 12PM~4PM - 4.hrs (When the sun is at it's peak, barring the 4PM and 5PM and I am not home to enjoy it)
3.) 6PM~12PM - 6.hrs (When I get home from work to enjoy it and prune when needed)
4.) TOTAL - 14.hrs

It works very well. The Riccia at the surface area which I put as indicators to photosynthesis, pearl. I run 24/7 - 6 bubbles a second - 24/7 water agitation. I change a "mop-sized-bucket" every other day, so it is Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sat so on and so forth. I only started this switch up with the break in the lighting schedule a month ago, and already things have straighten themselves out. So I am speaking based on something that is very fresh in my head and I had the idea from the plant tank at work.

Plant Tank At Work - 25L - 2FTX0.65FTX0.68 - Nano Tank Setup: Riccia and Fisseden. X2 T5 24W/10K.

1.) Mon to Fri - 6AM~6.30PM
2.) Sat to Sun - 6AM~9AM

When I started doing 2.) My Monday algae cleanups stopped and it seem to somehow work for the entire week. Like having a "rest" period, simply worked!

[greenpea]

wow.. results so good.. can try..

[jas5098]

What about CO2 injection. I have it hooked to a pump that coincides with my light. Do I leave the CO2 on during the light interval as well?

[Loopy]

Hi Jas,

Yes I do 24/7 CO2 Injection. Keep that water agitation going. If you want I can post pictures on the level of water agitation as I don't think there is a scale for that ! I might film it off my phone and youtube and PM you. Not sure what the rules here on posting external links. Don't want to break any rules.

I got it down to a science in a nano environment, hence you will see me posting on Nano sized tanks a lot. The tank at work is the oasis of life. Anything that is dying from home comes to life at work!

For the home tank, I am still messing with it here and there. But 6 bubbles a second and decent water agitation. (See size of my tank)

What about CO2 injection. I have it hooked to a pump that coincides with my light. Do I leave the CO2 on during the light interval as well?

[jas5098]

Thanks Loopy,
Right now I'm using a diy method for my co2 and will start leaving it on with a venturi diffuser 24/7. I've also added a power head wave maker to come on when lights are out set on timer. While utilizing the midday break lighting schedule. Will that do?

[RHX]

Currently having lots of hair algae. I'm gonna trying this new lighting schedule to see if it helps. Hopefully it'll work out.

Lights
6am - 10am
5pm - 10pm

Co2
6am - 7pm

[Morgan01]

RHX may I suggest to turn off your CO2 when lights are off?

here's my suggested CO2 timings:
5.45am - 10am; 4.45 - 10pm ....15 mins are more head start for plants to take advantage of CO2 filled tank when lights come on.

[jas5098]

Just bought another timer for my co2 diffuser pump. Have it come on 1 hour before lights come on.
So here is my schedule
Light
8am - 12 pm
Interval from 12 pm - 4 pm
Then Lights on from
4pm - 9 pm
CO2
7am - 9 pm.

What do you all think about setting the co2 timer to break during mid day break as well and come back on one hour before the lights come back on.