why/ fuge & light?

[GDWCS]

i've heard & read about refugiums but haven't studied enough to know why do we need to have them set up( light wise) on opposite schedules for lighting

 

[reefman23]

It helps to keep a constant pH I believe.

Jesse

 

[davenia7]

Theory is that the oxygen output from the macro balances the output from the coralline etc in the display maintaining a constant pH regardless of which algae is getting the light at what time. However, after testing the theory in my 10gal. with the HOB fuge convert, no significant pH change was noted and the light on the fuge was keeping me up all night bc it's next to my bed.... so my light is on the same sched as my tank.. The results might be different based on the amount of display algae versus refuge algae and the results might outweigh the costs for you... but my sleep is more important. :lol:

 

[skipm]

They hit the nail on the head, reverse lighting is to help stabilize pH swings.