Proper Night Lighting

[subie]

Hi all, sorry if this is the wrong forum for this thread. May be a silly question but I was just curious if it’s fine to leave the blue light on in my saltwater tank for my clownfish at the darkest setting when going to bed. Or should I turn it off completely?

 

[CivicS14]

Why does the clownfish need light at night? I say turn it off completely.

 

[A. grandis]

Fish actually need complete darkness to rest.

 

[ca1ore]

If it is your goal to create an analog of moonlight, then it’s likely that even at its lowest setting, your main fixture will still be too bright.

 

[don_chuwish]

I feel like my R420Rs at 0% white and 1% blue are dark enough to simulate moonlight at night.

 

[A. grandis]

Moon light simulation should be programed accordingly, as to imitate the real moon cycle in a 30 day period. Otherwise it will be just like an ambient light on during the night. Moon light has been used to provoke fish/coral/clam spawning. I use a moon simulator in my system, but I though the OP was referring to his regular blue LED light, not moon simulation.

 

[don_chuwish]

Moon light simulation should be programed accordingly, as to imitate the real moon cycle in a 30 day period. Otherwise it will be just like an ambient light on during the night. Moon light has been used to provoke fish/coral/clam spawning. I use a moon simulator in my system, but I though the OP was referring to his regular blue LED light, not moon simulation.

True, I'm not expecting to emulate actual moonlight cycles. Just don't have that spending appetite. My only point is that at 1% blue channel they are dim enough to be 'nighttime' for the critters.