Coral tank lighting schedule tips

[Lilacora]

I've been running my LED lights for 10 hours a day but my Zoanthids aren't opening fully. Anyone got tips on adjusting the schedule? Tank's a 40-gallon with mixed softies and LPS, running at 78°F, salinity 1.025.

[Jager]

10 hours might be too much for Zoas. Try cutting it back to 8 with a gradual ramp-up. What's your PAR reading at the bottom? Mine thrive around 100–150 PAR, with a 2-hour midday peak.

[Lynx9]

Yep, my Zoas hated long light too. I do 7 hours now, with a 1-hour sunrise/sunset. They're way happier, and my electric bill's chill too. Tank's a 30-gallon, same salinity as yours.

[Fortezza]

Yep, my Zoas hated long light too. I do 7 hours now, with a 1-hour sunrise/sunset. They're way happier, and my electric bill's chill too. Tank's a 30-gallon, same salinity as yours.

Agreed. Softies often prefer shorter photoperiods. Also check your blues vs. whites ratio—too much white can stress them. I run 70% blue, 30% white.

[fin_tide]

Mine were sketchy till I added a moonlight phase. Now they're open longer, even with 6 hours of main light. Maybe your guys just need a gentler transition? 20-gallon nano here.

[pennor]

Light intensity matters as much as duration. If your LEDs are too strong, even 6 hours can bleach them. Dial down the intensity by 10% weekly until you see improvement. 50-gallon mixed reef, Radion XR15.

[tides]

My Duncan's perked up after I shifted the schedule to match natural daylight. Now it's 9 AM–5 PM with a 30-minute ramp. Nitrates at 5 ppm, phosphates 0.03.

[florix9]

Could it be flow? My Zoas didn't open till I moved the powerhead. They're getting indirect flow now, with 8 hours of light. 25-gallon cube, AI Prime HD.

[Fableon7]

10 hours might be too much for Zoas. Try cutting it back to 8 with a gradual ramp-up. What's your PAR reading at the bottom? Mine thrive around 100–150 PAR, with a 2-hour midday peak.

PAR's crucial. If you don't have a meter, borrow one. My LFS loans them out. 75-gallon, T5/LED hybrid, 120 PAR at sandbed.

[Lilacora]

Thanks, all. Gonna try reducing to 8 hours and tweaking the blues. Appreciate the PAR tips—I'll hit up my LFS to test.