Background lighting impact on reef

[stAlphonzo]

Hey all,

I'm starting the setup of my first reef tank, a 40 gallon breeder. I have most everything planned out but got a bit concerned last night about tank placement. Because of space and spousal diplomacy the tank will be in the basement in the corner I call my office. The concern is, everyone in the house uses the basement too and very often leave the lights on, sometimes all night. There are 2 fluorescent fixtures pretty close to where the tank will go. Will having the room lights on while the tank lights are supposed to be off cause any issues for the tank or its critters?

~Dave

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hey all,

I'm starting the setup of my first reef tank, a 40 gallon breeder. I have most everything planned out but got a bit concerned last night about tank placement. Because of space and spousal diplomacy the tank will be in the basement in the corner I call my office. The concern is, everyone in the house uses the basement too and very often leave the lights on, sometimes all night. There are 2 fluorescent fixtures pretty close to where the tank will go. Will having the room lights on while the tank lights are supposed to be off cause any issues for the tank or its critters?

~Dave

I have a similar issue. My tank is in my dining room which is right off of the living room, so in either room if you have the lights on, the tank is lit up. Doesn't seem to be negatively effecting anything as there isn't enough power in those lights to disrupt coral. They still extend their polyps like normal once tank lights go out.

 

[stAlphonzo]

Sweet, thanks crabs. So many little details to worry about at this stage, I'd hate for it all to blow up for something so silly!

 

[Maggie321]

I agree with crabs, but if you still worry or think about it too much, just go get one of those motion sensor light switches. It automatically turns the light off if there is no movement in the room for a period of time... it's a thought... I have no clue how expensive those are too...[emoji848]

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hey all,

I'm starting the setup of my first reef tank, a 40 gallon breeder. I have most everything planned out but got a bit concerned last night about tank placement. Because of space and spousal diplomacy the tank will be in the basement in the corner I call my office. The concern is, everyone in the house uses the basement too and very often leave the lights on, sometimes all night. There are 2 fluorescent fixtures pretty close to where the tank will go. Will having the room lights on while the tank lights are supposed to be off cause any issues for the tank or its critters?

~Dave

I have a similar issue. My tank is in my dining room which is right off of the living room, so in either room if you have the lights on, the tank is lit up. Doesn't seem to be negatively effecting anything as there isn't enough power in those lights to disrupt coral. They still extend their polyps like normal once tank lights go out.

I agree with crabs, but if you still worry or think about it too much, just go get one of those motion sensor light switches. It automatically turns the light off if there is no movement in the room for a period of time... it's a thought... I have no clue how expensive those are too...[emoji848]

That's a great idea! I've often thought about getting one as my wife has a big problem with shutting the lights off behind herself lol

 

[Dana Riddle]

I was hanging out with Steve Tyree years ago when he had his apartment in LA. His dining room chandelier cast a light on his tank when the lights were off. Some of his corals spawned in this tank. In another case, we were doing some night diving offshore of a resort in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and noticed the lights/tiki torches cast their light out over the reef. This is the same spot we did coral spawning observations - they spawned right on cue with others up and down the coast. So, long story short - not to worry.

 

[stAlphonzo]

I agree with crabs, but if you still worry or think about it too much, just go get one of those motion sensor light switches. It automatically turns the light off if there is no movement in the room for a period of time... it's a thought... I have no clue how expensive those are too...[emoji848]

That's a great idea .. regardless of the tank! It drives me nuts when the kids leave the lights on.

 

[Maggie321]

That's a great idea .. regardless of the tank! It drives me nuts when the kids leave the lights on.

I know the struggle. My 3 leave lights on and doors open. I just annoy the crap out of them and guilt them to death.[emoji28]

 

[stAlphonzo]

I was hanging out with Steve Tyree years ago when he had his apartment in LA. His dining room chandelier cast a light on his tank when the lights were off. Some of his corals spawned in this tank. In another case, we were doing some night diving offshore of a resort in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and noticed the lights/tiki torches cast their light out over the reef. This is the same spot we did coral spawning observations - they spawned right on cue with others up and down the coast. So, long story short - not to worry.

Good point, hadn't really considered all the tanks that are in apartments, etc. Moving on to the next piece of the puzzle, lol. That dive sounds pretty amazing, btw!