*** 10 WINNERS!! WIN a BRAND NEW Natura iCon Reef Light in The Amazing Orphek Giveaway!! $8,000+ in Prizes!! ***

[KK's Reef]

Official Entry:

The lights look sick! It's a nice alternative to the Radions and Kessils of the world. The design aesthetics look great too. I can't put this over a pico, so if I'm lucky enough to win one, this will nudge me to finally upgrade to a bigger tank.

 

[KK's Reef]

Bonus entry: subscribed to emails

 

[KK's Reef]

Bonus entry: Liked on Facebook

 

[KK's Reef]

Bonus entry: Following on Instagram

 

[KK's Reef]

Bonus entry: Subscribed to the Orphek channel on Youtube

 

[KK's Reef]

Bonus entry: Following on TikTok

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: How do you integrate new lighting technology with existing aquarium setups?

I don't think I understand the question well, but lets say for instance new spectrum for a new light, I would try to incorporate it into the system keeping relative PAR levels stable and matching the spectrum of the previous lighting or supplementing current lighting, and gradually change the spectrum/intensity to the new one.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: How do you use lighting programs like Coral Acclimation and Clouds to benefit your tank?

I tried coral acclimation but found it a bit too strange to implement when you've already got a tank full of corals. The new coral may appreciate starting low and increasing over 10, 20, 30 days, but the existing corals aren't a fan of changing their PAR levels. Now I just move the new coral around acclimating it up to the PAR I want it at.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: How has reef lighting technology evolved since you first started reefing?

Haven't been around that long. I would say LEDs have more or less taken over with a few remaining stalwarts in the T5 and MH crowd.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What’s the best way to measure the effectiveness of your reef lighting setup?

Best way is to monitor coral growth, keeping everything else constant. Second best would be to take PAR measurements.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: How do you prioritize features when selecting a new reef light?

Ease of programming and ease of setting desired spectra. Ability to make adjustments at least hourly if not more.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What’s your strategy for acclimating corals to a new lighting system?

I start them lower in the tank and move them up to higher PAR areas if needed!

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: How do you manage light schedules to prevent algae growth while supporting coral health?

I'm not a believer in light schedules/spectra being the major determining factor in nuisance algae. So I don't care. More nuisance algae than you like? You need more coral consuming and more CUC eating.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What experiences have you had with moonlight cycles and their effects on nocturnal reef activity?

I had one light once that had moonlight. I found it interesting to watch the freak show at night.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What are your expectations for coral color enhancement with the Natura iCon’s advanced spectrum?

I expect to see overall improvement in colors and general increase in vibrancy.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What tips do you have for new aquarists about choosing the right reef lighting?

Pay attention to the wattage, not just of the unit but also of the chips. Are they 100 small watt LEDs or fewer high watt LEDs (hint, latter is better for PAR output/water depth penetration).

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What’s your opinion on the role of lighting in creating a balanced aquarium ecosystem?

As important as the water itself. Don't forget LACK of light for creating balance--those cryptic zones play a major role!

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: How do you balance light intensity and duration to achieve optimal results in your reef tank?

I actually use a modified Saxby-esque schedule, giving peaks of high intensity and troughs of lower intensity throughout the day. The modification is to change from a very blue spectrum to closer to an AB+ spectrum.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: What’s your favorite success story related to upgrading your aquarium lighting?

Winning my first Noopsyche light was a success! Otherwise, it was a lesson in paying for what you get, as I started at a low budget and little research and finally got on track with better lighting.

 

[JoJosReef]

DAILY QUESTION: Why is it essential to have a light that mimics natural sunlight and moonlight cycles?

For one, I think corals look better when the tank doesn't look like windex, and second, anything that is more natural is probably better for your tank.