Supplemental 660nm Red grow light + Zoas = ?

[ZoWhat]

Supplemental 660nm Red grow light + Zoas =

1) faster growth with more polyps each month AND more color

2) slower growth AND color bleaches out (pale)

3) no effect, null results

4) other, plz explain

24 red 660nm and 12 blue 460nm lights

 

[reeferfoxx]

@Dana Riddle You might be able to answer this?

 

[Dana Riddle]

There are several threads on this, and the subject is controversial to say the least. My opinion, based on experiments I conducted at the Natural Energy Laboratory in Hawaii on zoanthids and stony corals, is that too much red light will cause a drastic reduction in either the chlorophyll content or zooxanthellae population densities. Kinzie, Jokiel, and Wijgerde have all reported similar results. Now, the real question is how much red light is harmful. There is no doubt that some (a little) red light could be beneficial. It also depends upon the spectral characteristics of the LED (610nm, 620, 640, etc.) A lot needs to be sorted out on this. I'll offer this - it describes the red content of light delivered by an Iwasaki 400w daylight metal halide v. the spectrum of light seen at 1 meter depth at 7:30 am on a Hawaiian reef recall that light gets 'bluer' as noon approaches (I changed the colors on the charts years ago and can't recall which bars are which. Suffice it to say there isn't that much difference as far as red light is concerned.)

 

[ZoWhat]

Thank you Mr Riddle sir.... for spelling this out. I will pass on adding red supplemental light to my 90% zoa/play tank

Do you have any knowledge or data on adding 390~405nm UVA violet lighting for zoas/ palys???