Thoughts on moonlighting?
- Thread starter Tomb85
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ihavecrabs
2500 Club Member
I set up my own moon lights with a basic led driver and blue leds. I have my apex run them on the moon program and I enjoy it.
Benefits? No clue for the coral or fish other than more closely resembling nature. If you can do the apex kit it does adjust intensity to match the moon too. Definitely gives you lore viewable hours and all the creatures come out in the moon light.
Scientists that study the coral reproduction use temperature and moon light to trigger spawning events. So definitely some benefits but how they translate to us in the hobby, unsure.
Benefits? No clue for the coral or fish other than more closely resembling nature. If you can do the apex kit it does adjust intensity to match the moon too. Definitely gives you lore viewable hours and all the creatures come out in the moon light.
Scientists that study the coral reproduction use temperature and moon light to trigger spawning events. So definitely some benefits but how they translate to us in the hobby, unsure.
Auquanut
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Are you talking about leaving the moonlight on all night? I've seen a lot of posts that suggest that the moonlight mode simulates natural nighttime lighting. I don't really think that's the case. I've done a lot of night diving, and when your down there, it's DARK! I have a beer sign that stays on all night (as kind of a night light) and I'm sure that is more than enough lighting. Just my opinion. I've never seen where it does any harm though.
AquaBiomics
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This. Even during the full moon (which is only one night a month after all) it is basically pitch black to the human eye.
On coral spawning dives we used to turn off our lights for a minute just for fun. Pitch black.
And of course most nights there is no moonlight at all in nature, let alone the screaming bright blue spotlights we call "moon light" in the hobby
Phil D.
Valuable Member
I have AI Hydra 26 HDs and have the moonlight cycle on, (set at 3%) and have noticed that my corals and fish respond to it. My corals, Trachys and Scoli on the new moon dark cycle extend polyps and tentacles more. My Banggais recently spawned on the dark cycle.
So, I think that it does benefit them in having the natural day/night cycle.
So, I think that it does benefit them in having the natural day/night cycle.
jaiken1120
New Member
From my experience I feel a complete blackout period at night helps with proper coral growth and reproductive activities.
SuncrestReef
That Apex guy
I have seen my corals spawning under moonlighting and it's pretty awesome to witness! If you have an Apex, I wrote a whole tutorial on how to set it up: https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/neptu...ion-lunar-schedule-and-lighting-profiles.717/
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bluerider098
Active Member
How long are you leaving it on?
monkeyCmonkeyDo
7500 Club Member
My tank currently has no light for maybe 6hrs max.
Sump ats light
Main coral bright light
Moonlights.
Only thing i see it effecting is algae growth. Lol
D
Sump ats light
Main coral bright light
Moonlights.
Only thing i see it effecting is algae growth. Lol
D
monkeyCmonkeyDo
7500 Club Member
Keeps my ph up though. Lol!
D
D
Phil D.
Valuable Member
Have it set for 11 hours, with 1 hour before and after of Blues only then ramp up white to 5%.
Actual moonlight whenever it comes through comes through in only the shallowest waters and even then it’s not even blue it’s purely white lol I think it’s sham.
Big Smelly fish
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is.
My opinion is LEDs even moon light give off to much light to leave on overnight. I use them as part of the ramp up and down then no lights over night.
