SPS turning white

[rimlessreefpete]

So I have an interesting situation that has developed. I have a 100 gallon rimless reef with par38 LED bulbs hung from the ceiling which allowed me to get the proper height for the proper spread. This change to LEDs happened 5 months ago, I have noticed over time that the SPS have slowly lightened in certain places where there is less light. When I look straight down from the top Everything is vividly colored where the light hits the coral. however every bit that is not hit by the light, is either turning light or even bleaching in the case of my blue bottle brush acro. All water parameters have always been good the only change has been the LEDs also my frags of purple valida have been growing well but changed color to a neon green tipped valida non complaints on that one though. The LEDs are certainly powerful enough so I can't quite figure out what to do. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[sahin]

I think this is an effect of the quite directional property of LEDs - especially when the LEDs have lenses attached.

If I were in your situation, I'd stick a couple of T5's at the extreme front and rear of your tank, this will provide a diffuse illumination to the sides etc whereas the LED's are hitting mostly the upper surfaces of your corals.

I dont know if my suggestion is ok or not...ie it might ruin the "look".

I presume the PAR38's are something like 40 or 60 degree lens?

The other suggestion is to add a few more PAR38's or even a DIY strip at the front angled slightly. Same goes for a strip behind the PAR38's...again angled slightly.

This is a good example of the issue of LED's in that yes, the PAR is great, but the spread of light is terrible compared to T5 or even Metal Halide.