light cycle for healthy corals?

[Phlipper]

Hey I’m just wondering what an optimal light cycle would be for healthy corals? Both blue and white on during the day? Blue on at night? Off at night? I’m new haha thanks

 

[Ron Reefman]

Corals use blue spectrum so the zooxanthellae (algae) that is inside the coral can do photosynthesis which helps feed the coral. Most corals will only do photosynthesis for about 4 to 8 hours no matter how much or how long you leave the lights on. BTW, the extra time they are on doesn't harm the coral. White light is also needed for other processes within the coral, but it's not as important as the blue. I think most reefers with leds use blue leds at 2 or 3 times the power level as the whites. There is no need for any light at night.

I start the day with blue, after a couple of hours I add in the whites, after 8 hours I go back to blue for a few more hours. And my lights do ramp up and down so they aren't at full strength all day.

 

[Phlipper]

Corals use blue spectrum so the zooxanthellae (algae) that is inside the coral can do photosynthesis which helps feed the coral. Most corals will only do photosynthesis for about 4 to 8 hours no matter how much or how long you leave the lights on. BTW, the extra time they are on doesn't harm the coral. White light is also needed for other processes within the coral, but it's not as important as the blue. I think most reefers with leds use blue leds at 2 or 3 times the power level as the whites. There is no need for any light at night.

I start the day with blue, after a couple of hours I add in the whites, after 8 hours I go back to blue for a few more hours. And my lights do ramp up and down so they aren't at full strength all day.

Thanks!