ohioreef71
New member
If no macro of any kind chaeto,caulerpa etc. is used in the sump just live rock does it benefit having a light down there? I still notice a ph swing right now. I run a reverse photo period with my sump and display lights.
Sump light needed or not?
- Thread starter ohioreef71
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greg1786
Active member
I agree with everyone else. I run mine only because I have two different macro algae growing in it but if I didnt id rip the light right off. The only benefit of running a light on a sump that has no photosynthetic life in it is if you do it opposite your DT lighting. It helps to keep the ph from dropping overnight when your main light goes out
Sorry, I don't follow? The only way I know of reducing pH swings (sans chemicals) at night is to reverse illuminate a fuge that has things in it that will consume CO2. No photosynthetic life means no CO2 consumption which means no affect on low pH?
Personally, if I am going to keep live rock in a fuge then I do illuminate it - regardless of whether I am keeping macros or not. Coraline algae needs light as may the various critters that live on the rocks. Otherwise, frankly, I'm not sure what purpose a pile of rock in the sump can serve other than being a nutrient sink/nitrate factory?
Assuming you are looking to grow coralline algae on the LR in the sump.
Don Quixote
New member
You can also run an strong airstone during the night cycles. Just make sure the pump is strong enough to really increase gas exchange at the surface.
I certainly wouldn't do this! Nothing will quite so effectively coat everything in salt crust like running an airstone in salt-water. Ensuring good circulation at night within your tank (and not having a sealed top) will effect good gas exchange.
Depends on whether you want a cryptic or lighted refugium. If you put a light on it you will get different algae growing even if you do not add a macro like chaeto or calurpa. If there is live rock there is a "possibility" macro algae species may start on their own. If you leave the light off sponges and tunicates and small feather duster species will predominate especially if it has been seeded with live rock, all beneficial filter feeders. For more detailed discriptions on lighted and cryptic refugiums I would recommend Delbeek and Sprung's "Reef Aquarium" Vol III.
An easy test to see if an air pump will help is test your pH before the lights turn on with out one then the next day with one.
An easy test to see if an air pump will help is test your pH before the lights turn on with out one then the next day with one.
