when does a sps grow

[brad65ford]

I know this sounds like a silly question but i've wondering if they grow only during the light hours or at night or both.

 

[Dmorty217]

From what I have gathered they grow mostly at night

 

[Hentz]

I feel like at night as well mostly. When I turn my flash light on, my hollywood stunner has a ton of tentacles out and my SPS corals have huge polyp extension at night.

 

[TylerHaworth]

Feeding =/= growing... Polyps extend at night because there is more micro fauna in the water column, they retract more in the day because they are obtaining energy via photosynthesis.

An interesting question though, I'd like to see some research on the topic.

 

[finksmart]

They calcify at night. If you watch the Blue Planet - Coral Sea series there's a segment on corals' growing during night time.

 

[brad65ford]

Very cool guys thanks for the response.

 

[Moser]

I run my calcium reactor 24/7.
My alk is lowest at lights out time and highest just before lights on.

I assume this is because there is more usage during the photoperiod and less at night??...

Mo