I don't know where you got the experimental data to make such statement. The best described molecules that work to protect corals from UV deleterious effects are Mycosporine-like aminoacids (MAAs). They have a very high UV absorption capability and they are not fluorescent (I guess you meant that and not iridescent).
Proper spectrum?
- Thread starter Walla2GSP
- Start date
I don't know where you got the experimental data to make such statement. The best described molecules that work to protect corals from UV deleterious effects are Mycosporine-like aminoacids (MAAs). They have a very high UV absorption capability and they are not fluorescent (I guess you meant that and not iridescent).
I absolutely agree with you. There is no need to be concerned about UV in LEDs fixtures. Actually, I'm glad we can skip that radiation so we don't need to use UV blockers as it the case with MH.
chrisfont23
Reef Monster
Ron Reefman
Active member
chrisfont23, just to be absolutely clear, it was 2smokes that said corals are iridescent. Not me.
The quote in your post makes it look like I said that. But that was because 2smokes did a poor job of quoting me and, adding his own comments and running it all together. Not your fault, but I just want it to be perfectly clear that I NEVER said corals are iridescent!
The quote in your post makes it look like I said that. But that was because 2smokes did a poor job of quoting me and, adding his own comments and running it all together. Not your fault, but I just want it to be perfectly clear that I NEVER said corals are iridescent!
2smokes
In Memoriam
Corals are fluorescent not iridescent.I apologise for the iridescent term and ive used it because i was thinking at the iridescence of ctenophores.Corals are fluorescent as an adaptation to the UV light.Somme of the UV is usefull and somme is reflected by corals but to say that UV is a completely useless part of the spectrum is wrong.A simple comparation between aquriums that use leds or T5,MH and everybody will get an idea about how important UV is for coral health and growth.And the blue MH,T5 reef lamps have a huge output of UV ,measured by me with an UV meter,like 3 up to 5 times the ammount of UV thats used for home use T5 or otther lighting.If you stay a few hours close to a 14000K metal halide lamp i have no doubt that somme could get tanned from it .
chrisfont23
Reef Monster
Doh! Somehow the 'open quote' never got closed. I was quoting the following post on 10/26/2016 at 5:12PM made by "2smokes":
Your corals don't need true UV. MH fixtures use glass that blocks UV. Only a small amount of UV penetrates water very deep on the reef. Why all the concern about UV? I have MH bulbs that can tan your skin in a few hours.UV penetrates the water and its an important part of the spectrum.Corals are iridescent because they evolved to reflect UV light.Corals on reef are blasted with high ammounts of UV .
My bad.
dz6t
New member
I think the statement should be:
Majority of the LED fixtures on the market do not produce significant amount of light with wavelength below 400 nM.
On the other hand, there is no solid evidence that wavelength below 400 nM is critical or even important to the coral we keep.
Ron Reefman
Active member
Well said.
Similar threads
