Color question

[tdp22]

Currently all my LEDs come on at once is there a coloring benefit to having blues and whites come on at different times? Also, how do you gauge when to move a coral is browning a sign of more light needed? LPS LOVE my LEDs SPS are alright but much more temperamental. Thanks

 

[bambam918]

First question is, what lights do you have

 

[tdp22]

I have a reef breeder value fixture on a 40 gallon breeder approx 6 in off water.
Sps is in bottom to top of tank probably 16 in from light. Blues @ 40% whites @ 30% for approx 8 hours a day. Thinking about cutting that back. The reason I ask is because I can run another timer for the blues, just wanted to know if there was a difference. Thanks

 

[tdp22]

Here is a pic of the setup

 

[vanillagorila]

Here is a pic of the setup

Off topic but, you shouldn't use styrofoam on a tank that has plastic trim.

 

[tdp22]

Really, is there a specific reason? I have heard both opinions but always looking to learn. Also I know there are a lot of variables, but my basic question is does staggering your lighting cycle have beneficial effects for your corals?

 

[reepher315]

IMO when I run both lights at the same time all the time I get algae blooms on my sand. I use RODI and do everything right maybe I have my lights too high. Just my experience. I control the blues myself whites kick on with a timer.

 

[Rippinfrags]

I like to start with just the blues on and after an hour or two kick on the whites as well. IMO, this simulates the sun rising and your corals will look insane with just the blues on. However with that being said I don't think it makes a difference on your coral/tanks health.

 

[tdp22]

I staggered them, mainly because the fluorescing corals look awesome! I also like the idea of only running my whites for around five hrs a day with a total cycle of around 9. to see if that brings more color back into my sps. I think they are getting too much light. Also reading up on the foam insulation, lots of opinions but seems to be that most think it is not an ideal setup. Dang :headwally:

 

[Mael]

I run blue only for the first and last hour or so on the timer, with full spectrum the middle portion. My Chinese fixture was about 10" above water and sps seemed to like it at the to, so did some zoa's and LPS as well, rest were middle or bottom of a 46 bowfront.

Ill be upgrading lights for the new 110 I am setting up right now and Ill be using the sunrise/sunset function on those at the beginning and end.

also you may get a better light spread if you pull the 90* lenses from the leds and let them go at their natural 120* output, especially if closer to the top of the tank, on a 40b they will still have enough light penetration to make corals at the bottom happy.