Shimmer

[JiminyCat]

Can someone explain what is meant by the word "shimmer" as it relates to saltwater aquaria? I hear it mentioned but I'm not clear on its importance or relevance.

 

[john90009]

it is the lighting effect that hits the bottom of the tank mostly when you use metal halides. it happens with leds to but not exactly the same I notices small lines. It happens when the light is coming from a single point and is refracted and what not with the ripples on the top generated by the flow in the tank. you notice the shimmer when looking in a pool under a clear sky but on a cloudy day you don't have the shimmer.

 

[guppy breeder]

Its an effect leds and i think metal halides cause on your rocks and sand.

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[JiminyCat]

Thank you. Is this effect only aesthetic then or is there some importance to it?

 

[john90009]

aesthetic basically. the blue led moonlights will create a shimmer effect

 

[mike007]

Shimmer has nothing to do with anything. It is just a visual thing that some people enjoy. Halides and leds do produce a shimmer which is a reflection of the water movemement. But it is pretty cool though.

 

[JiminyCat]

Okay thanks. I have a bank of blue & white LEDs over my 30g and was curious if I should be seeing them or not. But since its of no importance, no big deal at this point. Maybe when I move up to a large tank, it will matter more to me.