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

[SmithsWrld]

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

In the two & half almost three years I’ve noticed a more big push for leds.

 

[BuilderT]

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

Put the coral in the bottom of the tank and slowly move it to its new home over a few days and monitor it to see how it reacts.

 

[BuilderT]

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

I always keep my whites pretty low to avoid algae problems.

 

[SmithsWrld]

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

I currently perform the Jake Adam’s method of sight. I’ve never used a par meter but I’d assume if you were someone very concerned with numbers this would be the route to go.

 

[ReefOC]

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

DAILY QUESTION RESPONSE:
As a reef tank hobbyist, managing light schedules is crucial to balancing coral health and algae control. I typically run my lights for 8-10 hours a day, gradually ramping up in the morning and ramping down in the evening to mimic natural sunlight. This helps reduce stress on the corals and maintains their growth.

I focus on using a combination of blue and white spectrum lights, as corals thrive under blue light, which also discourages excessive algae growth. I ensure that the intensity and duration of the white light are minimized since too much of it can fuel algae blooms.

In addition to controlling the light cycle, I keep a close eye on nutrient levels, regularly testing for nitrates and phosphates, as they contribute to algae growth. Regular water changes and maintaining good flow in the tank are essential to preventing debris buildup, which can also feed algae.

By fine-tuning the light schedule and keeping nutrient levels in check, I create an environment that supports coral health while minimizing the conditions that lead to algae overgrowth.

 

[SmithsWrld]

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

Ease of setup, ease of app usage and if there is an easy way to mount the light.

 

[SmithsWrld]

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

To perform my first par reading on the tank to see what par currently sits at with my light then to set up the new light with the par meter to get as close as possible & see if I want to increase or decrease from there. Also putting the same time schedule before using new features to all for them to adjust to a more even par.

 

[SmithsWrld]

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

Originally I based my lighting schedule off of Jake Adam’s lighting schedule and tweaked it from there. I keep my green and red spectrum low since most corals could care less about them and it helps keep the algae to a minimum. Also believe the proper clean up crew helps.

 

[SomeHappyFish]

Bonus Entry:
These hammers could benefit from a stronger light.

 

[LadyMac]

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

Lower in the tank and lower par. Then move them up weekly for a few couple weeks til I’m happy with placement and they seem happy with the light intensity.

 

[LadyMac]

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

That I haven’t quite figured out. With fresh you lower the time the lights are on. I’ve read the same with reef but also intensity. So I think you’d have to find the right balance between the two

 

[Salty Rambler]

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

I work to combat the algae growth by keeping algae eaters in the tank.

 

[tbrown]

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

I should probably do better about this...

 

[twentyleagues]

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

I dont worry about my lights causing algae growth I have cuc to deal with it.

 

[tbrown]

@clarsen28 come enter for a light!

 

[tbrown]

@Clar58 come enter for a light!

 

[tbrown]

@ClaraBell come enter for a light!

 

[tbrown]

@clarebare come enter for a light!

 

[tbrown]

@clarity come enter for a light!

 

[Chris Coulaud]

Official entry: i am back to the robby after 20 years, and wish the best since the beggining