Are Black lights bad for your reef?

[tikireefer]

I was thinking about putting some black lights on my reef. I have read that it really makes everything look amazing. I was just wondering if it might possibly be bad for the corals. Has anyone tried this without any problems? I was thinking about putting them on a timer and having them run for an hour at the end of the night. Having them turn on right before the main lights go out so that everything is still opened up. Let me know what you guys think!

 

[Andrew]

I wouldn't. Put some retro pc, t5, or vhos if you want a blue look. Black lights are black and the tank won't look too good and may cause an algae outbreack. Get some 20k anctic vhos or pc lights to get a darker look in the tank.

 

[fadeintoblue]

I was once told it is terrible for the fish and potentially blinding. I don't know if that's true but I wouldn't chance it.

 

[Pandora]

They are basically just lights in the UV spectrum, smaller wavelength than even actinics (and will cause some of the effect in fluorescing corals). Extended exposure to pure UV isn't really healthy for any life, but you could maybe have them on for a short period of time, and it's no big deal (there's some UV in all nonfiltered light). I personally think you'd get a better effect with some moonlights or low lit super actinic bulbs.

 

[Amphiprion]

It provides no real benefit and is simply greater exposure to UV radiation. Like others have said, stick to actinics to provide the necessary spectra and to enhance colors.

 

[tikireefer]

Thanks for all of the input! Doesn't sound like it is a very good idea from what you all are saying. I think that I will stick to the actinic lights.

 

[SeanySean]

Is it for night..... I have made a "night light" with 20 bulb xmass lights containes within a blue plastic folder very low light but looks great...