White or red light for algae growth

[Jason Scalise]

I built a macro algae grow chamber and light for my nano IM Novu 20 (build thread here) using a LED light which can be set to a variety of colors...across the R G B and white spectrum.
For optimum macro algae (cheato) growth, is there an obvious advantage to have it set to red vs magenta vs white??
I am assuming all will grow algae but wondering if I should be setting the light output preferentially to one color on the spectrum given that I have the option.

Here is what the light looks like on the back of the tank shining into the back of the overflow with this section now converted into the algae chamber.
White then red.


And here is a video of what it looks like in the chamber (with the algae removed).

I also know the PAR output readings of each and can set the intensity up/down as well as needed.
thanks

 

[Subsea]

Most macro algae will do best with white light.

Marine Plants in the Aquarium

macroalgae, marine plants, caulerpa, refugium substrate, marine macroalgae for sale

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Bortacladia, Just like coral zooanthelia, macro algae can adjust to differrent spectrum. When I get Bortacladia from diver collected live rock it is a dark bronze, then when subjected to brighter light turns fire engine red.



“Bortacladia is beautiful specimen that does very well in the marine aquarium. It features stiff, lightly calcified branches with bright red air bladders. It resembles a cluster of grapes and is sometimes referred to as Red Grape Caulerpa, although it is not a species of Caulerpa at all. Depending on the species, it can grow in rather large clumps attached to rocks and coral fragments in depths of up to 30 feet or more. It is very hardy and seems to do well in aquariums with good water quality and low to medium lighting. There are several varieties available in the aquarium trade, but identification can be difficult as they all have the same basic characteristics.”

 

[X-37B]

Thats pretty cool!
I get the best growth with macro running full spctrum.
This is a black box over my 30g remote. It grew macro algae so fast its now a Nem tank as I was constantly adding po4.

Now

 

[Jason Scalise]

Thats pretty cool!
I get the best growth with macro running full spctrum.
This is a black box over my 30g remote. It grew macro algae so fast its now a Nem tank as I was constantly adding po4.

Now

Thank you, looks great.

and for clarity, I assume when you say "full spectrum" you mean "just set it to white"....correct?
I only have the option on mine to choose one color...so, white would encompass all colors.

 

[Subsea]

Thats pretty cool!
I get the best growth with macro running full spctrum.
This is a black box over my 30g remote. It grew macro algae so fast its now a Nem tank as I was constantly adding po4.

Now

What species macroalgae is in first picture. Nice!

 

[Subsea]

Thank you, looks great.

and for clarity, I assume when you say "full spectrum" you mean "just set it to white"....correct?
I only have the option on mine to choose one color...so, white would encompass all colors.

Jason,
white includes all spectrum.


To assist my comprehension of white light variations:

5000 color spectrum represents a Caribbean reef at noon.

6500 color spectrum is the same reef at 4pm

 

[X-37B]

Thank you, looks great.

and for clarity, I assume when you say "full spectrum" you mean "just set it to white"....correct?
I only have the option on mine to choose one color...so, white would encompass all colors.

Yes

 

[Nemo&Friends]

I grow mine in mainly white light. I have a cheap LED light from Petco which I keep at vaguely magenta. But I just used to have a white fluorescent light before and dragon breath, caulerpa , red grapes, and codium grow well. I never succeeded with Chaeto, but as it is not pretty I do not mind.

 

[X-37B]

What species macroalgae is in first picture. Nice!

Mostly Red Ogo Algae (Gracilaria parvispora). Small amount of dragons breath, and a ball of chaeto.

 

[X-37B]

Jason,
white includes all spectrum.


To assist my comprehension of white light variations:

5000 color spectrum represents a Caribbean reef at noon.

6500 color spectrum is the same reef at 4pm

Yes many think white is white.
On my planted freshwater I run a led that has only blue, red, green.
When on together its bright white.