New member with lunar light question

[gparr]

Hello, everyone. I'm new to nanotank.com, but a veteran aquarist. About four years ago I had six tanks totaling 300 gallons, one freshwater and the rest reef. The demands on my time changed, tanks were broken down and sold, and I entered a three-year period in which I "maintained" a 20L reef and my 40 breeder FW. It got to the point a couple of months ago where I had to decide to either get out of the hobby or start to do it right again. I chose the latter and am glad I did. The 20L is shaping up nicely with the only problem a massive infestation of bryopsis that I hope I'm getting under control. I've been amazed at the advances that have occured in the past four years in the reef hobby and pleased that culturing/fragging has become so prevalent. I've been lurking here for a week or so and glad I found this site. I've learned a lot about small-tank husbandry.

Now to my question. One thing I picked up in my reading it that a lunar light appears to be a positive thing for the health of my corals. I bought a 470-nm blue light. My corals and a clownfish I've had for 10+ years are used to the tank/room being completely dark for at least five hours a night. Should I gradually lengthen the time the lunar light is on or should I just leave it on all night?

Thanks for the help and looking forward to "meeting" the nanotank members.

Gary

 

[Trogdor]

Acclimating fish and coral to any light changes probably wouldn't be a bad idea. From what I have gathered, unless you perfectly replicate the lunar cycle and vary the intensity of your lunar lights, you won't see much difference in their behavior. You can say that the jury is still out on lunar lights if they are beneficial.