depends on what macro you are using. if you are using something like cheato that doesnt go sexual, then you are best with 12 hours on/ 12 hours off. this is because for the best algae growth the plants will need a dark period to respire, and with better growth come great nutrient uptake.
when i ran a refugium, i just used regular reflector style light from home depot with a exo terra CFL plant bulb.
if you are growing something like caulerpa in the refugium i've read that its best to run lights on 24/7 to prevent it from going sexual. although i dont know how true this is. one because ive never heard of anyone actually having it happen to them. and two because i have caulerpa in my macro algae cube, its on 12/12 schedule. ive had it turn white and "dissolve" away before, yet never have i had it so up anywhere in the tank.
---------- Post added at 02:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:10 PM ----------
oh yeah, and like mentioned above, having it reverse from you display schedule is also recommended to prevent the pH swings that occur when the lights are off.
Originally Posted by dputt88
depends on what macro you are using. if you are using something like cheato that doesnt go sexual, then you are best with 12 hours on/ 12 hours off. this is because for the best algae growth the plants will need a dark period to respire, and with better growth come great nutrient uptake.
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