Red or Blue

[Bob Escher]

I have been reading about using flashlights at night after all lights are off to watch the tank.
I started reading about blue flashlights so six months ago I bought one.
Now I reading and seeing Red.
What do you use and why
And thoughts on which is better

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've always read to use red as well. Something with them not being able to see that spectrum completely so it doesn't spook them when you put it on them. I'm not 100% sure so lets see if @saltyfilmfolks or @Dana Riddle know more on the subject

 

[Dana Riddle]

My 2 cents worth... Red light doesn't interfere with the eye's night vision (hence amateur astronomers use red lamps to read star charts) so if that's a concern, go with red. On the other hand, blue light can reveal fluorescence of corals, algae, coral spats, as well as some aquarium 'nasties' - I published a picture years ago of a coral parasite that fluoresced green. Not all parasites fluoresce, so I'm not saying blue light is some sort of magic for spotting bad bugs but I do like the appeal of corals (and other things) glowing in the dark.

 

[Bob Escher]

That is what I read about blue, since if you run lights at night they are generally blue so therefore a blue flashlight
I just ordered a red one

 

[Bob Escher]

My 2 cents worth... Red light doesn't interfere with the eye's night vision (hence amateur astronomers use red lamps to read star charts) so if that's a concern, go with red. On the other hand, blue light can reveal fluorescence of corals, algae, coral spats, as well as some aquarium 'nasties' - I published a picture years ago of a coral parasite that fluoresced green. Not all parasites fluoresce, so I'm not saying blue light is some sort of magic for spotting bad bugs but I do like the appeal of corals (and other things) glowing in the dark.

The military, hunters and so on use Red lights but you are right about the illumenesence

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I belive the common thought is those animals don’t see Red well as there isn’t a lot underwater. How true this is I not sure.
But I don belive the lowr General intensity of the red lights is a factor.
I think Red was the better Call myself. I use red , but also smaller penlights like the keychain fob style ones.

 

[Bob Escher]

I belive the common thought is those animals don’t see Red well as there isn’t a lot underwater. How true this is I not sure.
But I don belive the lowr General intensity of the red lights is a factor.
I think Red was the better Call myself. I use red , but also smaller penlights like the keychain fob style ones.

Thanks