cj82989

Ok im new and im sure this question has been asked b4 but where can i get a timer light for a tank(not set up yet) and is it really smart to. i thought the fish needed special lighting at all times(no coral) and to control growth of algie and other harmful things. i dont plan on having anything rare or of anything special needs. my main fish i want is a dwarf lion fish if it helps any. im looking to set up a 55G if that makes a difference.


first time setting up a saltwater tank wanna do everything right and do whats best for the fish.


also does live rock need any special lighting. i plan to have some for filtration caves and hiding places for my fish. if so what do you think would be best for a 55G tank with dwarf lion fish and a few other fish and some live rock ?

thanks in advance

Wolfgang8810

definately go with a timer. It eliminates alot of human error and also keeps times for fish regular. go with a moderatly priced light that would give you about 2 wpg

cj82989

Ok with the timer would it be on at night and off during the day. thats what i did with freshwater and it worked, but i have learned saltwater is really different lol.

fishgirl

I dont know about what type of lighting you may need.
You can get a 24hr timer at Wal-Mart.

sgould

If you have no coral and are not planning on any, the issue of consistent lighting intensity and duration is not as critical. That said, timers are sure convenient!

cj82989

im not plannning any coral just some live rock and sand. but should it be at night the light on and day time the light off(makes sence to me)

sgould

No, fish need to have a day/night cycle just like we do. Run the lights during the day for viewing, and leave them off at night so the fish can rest.

cj82989

ok sounds good


Thanks

agsansoo

I use 3 timers for my lights. One for actinic PC lights, one for Metal Halide light and one for my refugium light. The moon lights run 24/7 so they don't need a timer. Simple Heavy Duty analog switch works fine. About $14 at Home Depot. Lights come on at 1:00pm, and turn off at 11:00pm.

cj82989

how did you set up 3. i have heard of 2 "slots" for lights in the hood but never 3. but what if i did a moon light and a flourscent light because isnt the other light you said for coral?