why top downs ?

lobsterboy · #1 09-17-2009, 03:56 AM

I am wondering why when you view your corals from top down, they always look so much better than viewing from the front of the tank ?

is it because of the glass blocking some kind of color, or is it.....

let me know what you guys think.

thanks.

lorenz0 · #2 09-17-2009, 04:06 AM

ya i totally agree. when i feed my fish everything looks amazing from the top down

someone must have the answer

fishytime · #3 09-17-2009, 04:11 AM

Its the way the light refracts through the glass.

lobsterboy · #4 09-17-2009, 04:11 AM

i am trying to find pics that would suit this question, this is the best that i have already up loaded.

check the pink stylo

its in the middle, not the best pic to start off with. purple pink stylo.

top down looks like white glowing body, and crazy skirt.

BlueAbyss · #5 09-17-2009, 04:14 AM

I believe I have heard it is because the light comes from above, and so the pigments are more concentrated from that angle. Not sure where I heard this though, consider it conjecture.

lobsterboy · #6 09-17-2009, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

Its the way the light refracts through the glass.

short and simple eh.

simplycoral · #7 09-17-2009, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

I believe I have heard it is because the light comes from above, and so the pigments are more concentrated from that angle. Not sure where I heard this though, consider it conjecture.

+1

I have heard this too. Not sure where though

Maybe we shared the same dream

lobsterboy · #8 09-17-2009, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

Its the way the light refracts through the glass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

I believe I have heard it is because the light comes from above, and so the pigments are more concentrated from that angle. Not sure where I heard this though, consider it conjecture.

both make sense.

whatcaneyedo · #9 09-17-2009, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueAbyss

I believe I have heard it is because the light comes from above, and so the pigments are more concentrated from that angle. Not sure where I heard this though, consider it conjecture.

+2 I think it was mentioned in Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium by Fatherree. But of course he was talking about clams and not coral in general.

Snaz · #10 09-17-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishytime

Its the way the light refracts through the glass.

I don't think it is refraction through the glass. Refraction just slightly shifts the angle of the light as it passes through the interface, there is no loss or wavelength change due to refraction.

What is more likely is some light never gets through the glass, compare to the glass shield covering a MH light blocking 80% UV light.