photoperiod

[rjs5134]

After reading the thread "Reducing lighting" I've realized how much I'm missing. Like most of us, I work all-day, maybe more than most. I leave the house between 6:00 and 6:30 and I don't get home until at least 6:30, usually closer to 7:30. My PC's come on around 6:30 and go off around 8:00. The MH's come on for about 8 hours in the middle of the day. On weekends, I find myself neglecting other chores to spend time enjoying the tank when the MH's are on. Other than that, I only enjoy an overly blue tank for a few short minutes each morning and evening. Short of completely changing the photo-period there is nothing I can do.

I don't really have a question, just curious how others deal with this problem.

Rob

[Poseidon]

Why can't you change the photoperiod? I don't think the corals much care if it is light or dark outside, as long as they have a consistant schedule in the tank.

My lights don't come on till 10:30 and 11:00 am, and then turn off at 9 pm. This gives me a good 6 hours of lights on when I get home from work (home at 3) and it also gives the kids a visual cue as when it is BEDTIME! Fish lights go out, it is time for bed!

[rjs5134]

Mike,

I thought about that, maybe after I get an automatic feeder. If I changed it right now, I wouldn't be around for the morning feeding, then they would only get 2 feedings an hour or two apart in the evening.

More importantly though, the tank is in the living room and my wife hates the bright lights when she's watching TV. She hates the lights more than the noise from the pumps. I'll have to deal with it until I get a bigger house.

[Poseidon]

Do you keep anthias or other fish that needs to be frequently fed? I ask because I feed my fish once a day, when I get home from work, and I feed the corals after we eat dinner, usually 5:30 or 6.

I am fortunate that my wife is supportive, and likes the fish tank.