reflective bottom

[brad65ford]

They say you don't know till you've experienced it LOL. Well in my case its true.:debi:
Just released how important having at least sand or something else bright (white) is for the bottom of a BB sps tank. Fortunately I've finally had some great success with my acro's and other SPS and I want to keep it up. But I've noticed how the bottoms of my corals are white and pretty much dead while the tops are growing well. The positive thing is I have coralline growing all over the bottom but I'm now wondering how much better sand reflects off the glass bottom, coralline algae or a painted white bottom. Till if find of what the best is for a BB tank I added some white paper to the under side of the glass. Wow what a difference in brightness already! Would love to hear some of the other BB guys thoughts.

 

[aqua80]

I don't have this problem in my BB tank...
but I had this problem with BB and LEDS with lenses, wich were too directional for my taste...
With MH + t5 or just t5 I find no need to have a reflective bottom, the light spread is great !

 

[brad65ford]

Yes point taken, I've noticed there is surely not the same type of spread with led's versus MH. But I do believe there is some validity with having sand help reflect some light more so then a BB.

 

[glaukos]

I don't have this problem in my BB tank...
but I had this problem with BB and LEDS with lenses, wich were too directional for my taste...
With MH + t5 or just t5 I find no need to have a reflective bottom, the light spread is great !

+1
i totaly agree.
i use t5's and the bottom is covered with coralline.
surelly sand would make it look brighter but not to the point that is helpfull
for the sps's "dark side"

 

[brad65ford]

No issues with coralline growth with LED's either over here, this is only from a few months since the tank has been up. But I do have a few corals that are white on the bottom since they light is not being reflective, the corals in the photos are mixed and matched some have just be placed down so its hard to see the whites on some.

 

[C Dog]

Anyone ever tried using a mirror under the tank( between the glass and stand)? I bet you would get great growth.

 

[turtlespd]

Brad,

You are right! A lot of people that are bare bottom use to run starboard but it eventually gets covered in coralline etc. The sand acts as a bounce and will bounce the light from above to under and since its always stirred up u wont have the same issues are bare bottom. Ever notice how bright ur tank gets as soon as u add sand...I bet if u take a before and after pic u will see a huge diff.

 

[brad65ford]

Brad,

You are right! A lot of people that are bare bottom use to run starboard but it eventually gets covered in coralline etc. The sand acts as a bounce and will bounce the light from above to under and since its always stirred up u wont have the same issues are bare bottom. Ever notice how bright ur tank gets as soon as u add sand...I bet if u take a before and after pic u will see a huge diff.

I just that but with white paper. It was like turning on a light under my tank. I ended up taping on a bunch of white paper to the bottom glass (glad I have a steal frame) and see what happens.