Opposite light cycle for refugium ?

[dlish89]

I'm sorry for the post as I know it has been discussed before, but I cannot find it. My question is why would you run a opposite light cycle for the refugium? I'm thinking its easier just to throw the refugium light on the timer with the rest of the tank lights, but I'm sure there's a reason people run the opposite of each other. Input please. Thanks

 

[jpfelix]

it's not your fault you can't search. don't be sorry.

the opposite light cycle can help to keep your ph stable 24hrs. photosynthetic organisms release co2, but when exposed to light they use more than they release. if your macro is lit then it will offset the co2 in your maintank. the opposite will happen when your tank lights come on.

 

[szwab]

that pretty much sums it up

 

[Shoestring Reefer]

Yup, BUT if you have caulerpa, you're better off leaving the fuge lights on 24/7 to prevent it from going sexual.

 

[mg426]

All the above advice is very sound and very correct

 

[stewie24]

Some people also choose to leave their lights on 24/7 just to help the macro algaes grow.
Stewie

 

[Shelbster]

Could someone explain what it is for calurpa going sexual? In other words, what does it do exactly?

 

[colettem]

The algae suddenly decides to spawn releasing huge amounts of toxic gunk into the tank tat can cause your whole system to crash.

 

[Pandora]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6676750#post6676750 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shelbster
Could someone explain what it is for calurpa going sexual? In other words, what does it do exactly?

It means it is sporulating. Most plants have an asexual & a sexual phase; the idea is that the 24 hour lights will decrease the chances of it going into the sexual phase, in theory because this usually happens at dawn, and the lights suppress this trigger and keep it in a vegetative stage. In practice, this just decreases the probability, does not prevent it entirely. When it "goes sexual", the tips turn white or clear, and over a 24 hour period, the entire plant body starts to dissolve into a white, gooey mess that gets released into the tank and can cause a crash. This is a relatively rare event in most tanks (and often managed if you prune back), but some people do not like to take the chance, so they go with chaetomorpha instead.

 

[dc]

I run a reverse, makes a great night light! I did the 24/7 and my caulerpa still went sexual so I'm not a big believer in that theory. It's a mess, I try to keep it pulled now as soon as I see any signs of it happening. I had my biggest problem with razor. If you see them turning white, it's usually a sign. After that the plants turn to mush and your tank looks like you just dumped sand in it. I usually do a large water change at this time. Haven't had a problem since I switched to prolifera.