Too much light?

[Andylam]

Would SPS turn brown (ie not bleach) if it is under too much light?
Actually how would you tell if the light is too bright? Bleaching is the only sign?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[REEF SMAC]

As long as SPS are acclimated properly it's hard to believe there is gonna be somehow too much light for an animal that naturally grows in intense tropical sunlight, sometimes only inches deep in crystal clear water.

IME more light seems to make colors better most of the time.
Especially if your water params are good.

Some corals are just brown, no matter what or how much light they get.

 

[dvanacker]

I agree but if you have bright enough lights and/or long photo period and low enough nutrients....you can get corals bleaching (getting lighter in coloration).

You will never see corals go brown under these conditions.

 

[Andylam]

So the myth that I was told - too much (or too long) of light will turn SPS brown - is busted!!!!!

 

[cFloor]

I am also curious about possibly having too much light. I have to have my lights 18" above the water surface or else it's too bright to even look into the tank without getting a headache. I thought for sure I had too much light when they were at 12"

 

[Denadai]

So the myth that I was told - too much (or too long) of light will turn SPS brown - is busted!!!!!

Yes !!!!

Corals can become brown in a high po4 and no3 water even in strong light

Best Regards

 

[Denadai]

I am also curious about possibly having too much light. I have to have my lights 18" above the water surface or else it's too bright to even look into the tank without getting a headache. I thought for sure I had too much light when they were at 12"

Too much light is very difficult to say just looking to the tank

The best thing to do is to measure the PAR

IMHO the minimum PAR to a SPS tank is around 300

Best Regards

 

[edsreef]

Yes !!!!

Corals can become brown in a high po4 and no3 water even in strong light

Best Regards

Agreed. They can also remain brown in a low nutrient system with strong lighting; ie; perfect conditions & lighting.

 

[cFloor]

Thank you Denadai, I will look into a PAR meter.

Is there a brand name that you guys recommend? thanks

 

[Reef Bass]

Apogee makes a decent par meter with a remote sensor on a cable.

 

[nonstopfishies]

Do any of your local reef clubs have a PAR meter? It is best to just borrow one since you won't need it much.