Actinics 24/7

Zan's Aquatica · Jan 31, 2020

Hi!

Can we run actinics all the time so that the tank is always gorgeous to view? plus use as a nightlight?

or does it require full lights off nightly?

maybe the obvious answer is that it needs full lights off but i’m wondering if it’s okay because moonlight exists?

Billldg · Jan 31, 2020

I try to look at it as what do they get in real life situations. You can run a LED at a couple percent to simulate moonlight, but you can't do the same for a T5 or halide as they will emit to much light.

Fourstars · Jan 31, 2020

Sure, why not. The fish will find a dark cave if it‘s an issue.

thatbamaguy · Jan 31, 2020

Depends on what you are trying to do. Are you asking if a FOWLR tank will survive or are you trying to provide a good home for your fish? Sure your fish will survive if you give them enough places to hide but for how long and how healthy is another matter. They most likely will be more stressed. Also, your micro fauna will take a hit. Most plants (even microscopic) need a dark period to reproduce. Micro inverts come out at night to feed.

So to answer your question, sure, but it's not best for your tank.

Zan's Aquatica · Jan 31, 2020

ahhh good question!

i don’t have any fish, i have 4 large anemone and some zoas
i’m adding LPS and some SPS slowly
i don’t think i’ll have any fish

thatbamaguy · Jan 31, 2020

ZAN KHAN said:
ahhh good question!

i don’t have any fish, i have 4 large anemone and some zoas
i’m adding LPS and some SPS slowly
i don’t think i’ll have any fish

You absolutely need a consistent photoperiod to keep corals including a dark period. Moonlights are very very dim compared to the actinics you run in the day

Uncle99 · Jan 31, 2020

Other than fish and inverts that don’t need light (they are not photosynthetic) corals mainly use the blue, but, for some corals, they need a small amount of the greens and reds for the other two chlorophylls, which they use for their photosynthetic process.

Some lights allow individual changes to each color in the spectrum, some have the blue/violet on one channel, and the green/red/white on the second channel. In both cases I limit greens/blues to 1/5th of my blue/violet.

All should have a dark (rest) especially corals.