Moonlight Opinions

[reefmongrel]

Have a 90g that is 23" deep running metal halides and actinics.

Considering moonlights for three reasons:
1. less shock when main lights go out
2. helps corals?
3. Enjoy night time viewing

Would appreciate opinions/knowledge on use of - and brands to consider. I hear 475nm in the correct spectrum

Thanks!!

 

[Len]

Moon lights make the tank pretty interesting to view at night. It is, of course, low intensity, so you can't really see all that much. But it gives this eerie and exotic look to the reef that I enjoy.

Anyhow, it probably won't help much to reduce shock when the main lights go out. It's still a HUGE jump down in intensity. As for helping corals, I have not read any evidence of this. However, moonlights may spur on natural reproductive cycles. This is interesting, but it's not really as desirable as you'd think. The problem with corals spawning is they create a huge mess in the tank .... one that fouls the water pretty badly. Spawning corals can stink up your whole house, and it will make your skimmer go nuts. Personally, I tried my best to stop my corals from spawning after the first 3 or 4 mass spawning events in my 120g.

 

[Anonymous]

I use a 25W blue GE "party light". Is screws into a standard porcelin socket.

This is about the cheapest moonlight you'll find.

I haven't had any spawning events. I do not try to simulate the lunar cycle. That would probably cause spawning events like Len mentioned.

I just let mine run 24/7, so it's always on when the main light go out. I got tired of syncing timers. That's why I just run it 24/7.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

I have a Blue LED in my 20. It works. When I get some samples of stronger ones, I'll probably change it out.

Lots of people have used Blue Rope Light from HD/Lowes/Wallmart with good success.

B

 

[Anonymous]

What Len said!

And the Helios T5 lights make a dandy moon light.

 

[Anonymous]

Blue rope lights are cheap and easy.

http://amos.shop.com/amos/cc/main/ccn_s ... g/06030523

 

[wyw]

The lights I bought for my 2nd tank came with blue LED lights for night. They seemed way to bright and drove me crazy. I prefer sneaking up on the tank in the middle of the night with a red flashlight.

 

[Anonymous]

Mattl
$19? I bought 18' of red from my local "bargains r us" for $5. I wonder if they have blue. I could make some cash!