Short but multiple photoperiod

[gabloo]

Hello Everyone,

I am wondering if anyone of you tried multiple of short photoperiod throughout the day. In freshwater, some people would only turn on light for 4 – 5 hours twice a day. They claim that it would reduce the chances of algae growing in their tank. I had tried that method and I had a decent success. So, I am wondering what would happen if I do something similar in reef tank. Will there be any negative effect to coral, clam or shrimp?

My plan is to have 2 x 5 hours of photo period.

11:00 am blue

11:30 am blue + white

3:30 pm blue

4:00 pm light off

7:30 pm blue

8:00 pm blue + white

12:00 am blue

12:30 am light off

 

[Coral reefer]

Sounds like a good idea, but a bad thing to do imo

 

[roostertech]

That concept a "siesta" has floated around for a while but I think all evidences are more anecdotal. It varies depending on type of algae.

Reed tank algae control is easier imo. Just keep your nutrient in check + herbivore + CUC

 

[rygh]

Funny: I ran my Algae scrubber that way, to increase algae production.
Not kidding.

 

[Flagg37]

In one of the BRS investigates videos, Ryan mentioned that Ecotech (I think) has been running tests and finding that a longer photo period with less par is equivalent to a shorter photo period with more intense par. I don't think they've tried multiple photo periods though.

 

[gabloo]

Thanks for advice and input everyone. I will stick with regular lighting schedule. It was just a thought.