Canopy Lighting

[doresy]

Ok, so I have an AquaOne 850 with lighting in the canopy. It contains 3 tubes. The 2 main ones are very bright and seem the same and the middle one is dimmer and is sort of mouve when on by its self. I have included a timer to the lights. The ambient light to the room is not particularily bright, especially at this time of year. I tilt the v blinds up slightly to avoid direct sunlight hitting the tank. I do NOT have any real plants, only immitation (I know I know!) so as I suspect the dimmer tube is to promote plant growth I only have it on for decoration purposes. So my questions to all you good people are, Is it best to have the lights come on and off once in 24 hours to simulate nature. Is it ok (as I have it at present) to have it come on for 4 hours in the morning 6-10 then off untill 4 in the afternoon untill around 11 that night. ie 6am-on 10am-off 4pm-on 11pm-off. These times coincide with someone being in the house (a bit selfish I know) but the fish have not lodged any complaints

 

[mr.dark-saint]

Sounds fine to me. Since, I'm running full LEDs I don't bother with your style of timing (just on and off). I suppose lighting as if it were your central air would be cost effecient as well as using ambient light. When the light goes out whle you're not there is like a cloud cover or a foggy day.

What is "mouve" since I'm from the old school where colors are "primary" and "secondary" and anything beyond that I no understand .