For the past six months, I have been running a "split" photo period with the halide. Basically, the halide powers up at 6 am and off again at 9 am. Then comes back on at 4:30 and off at 9:30. The idea to do this came after hearing a presentation regarding light saturation on a natural reef. Basically, the speaker indicated that sps xooxanthellae become photo saturated by about 11 am on a natural reef and photosynthesis the remainder of the day is shut down. So essentially, I am trying to double the usable photo synthesis by providing a "rest" period each day. It should be noted that the actinic lights are on from 6:10 am to 11:00 pm each day. This lighting scheme also has the added benefit of reducing heat during the summer and saves electricity compared to running the halides all day.

The bulbs have been retrofitted into a 30-inch Compact Sea Life (CSL) hood. (Current USA took over the CSL hood line up and the same retro fit could be performed on a Current USA hood.) The retrofit involves moving the two PC bulbs over to make room for a halide bulb. A DIY mini-reflector was installed behind the halide socket. The stock fan was upgraded and a second fan was added to the other end of the fixture to optimize air flow through the hood. I would like to thank KrackerG for his idea and advise regarding the CSL Mod.

My long term plans involve building a new canopy for the tank and utilizing a halide with HO-T5's. One note, 30-inch bulbs (HO-T5, PC, and VHO) are practically non-existant. Although I did find one company that offers HO-T5s in a 30-inch length and plan to use those in the new hood when its completed.

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