[AaronT]

Well, because I'm American and I love stem plants and I like to grow them fast and "have it now" as they say, my vote was for the noon burst method. I find that simulating a real daylight period works well for keeping algae at bay.

 

[AaronT]

Grandmasterofpool,
Have you tried the noon burst method and what Wpg have you used?

Thank you
Edward

Yes, I have but it's more of a midday burst as I use an 8 hour period.

I built a custom pendant for my 75 gallon tank using a retrofit 2 x 175 watt MH kit from Cool Touch Lighting. I then added a 48" T5 HO bulb on either side of the two MH bulbs. The bulbs used are Ushio 175 watt 10,000Ks and Aqua Medic Planta T5s.

I turn the T5HOs on for 12 hours a day and the MH comes on for 8 hours in between that for a total of 460 watts. No, I do not recommend this setup for a beginner. I have to be very diligent about fertilizing or things get out of whack fast.