Coralline Growth & Lighting

[TheReefGeek]

I wonder if it is more color spectrum related, or PAR value..... I was thinking about trying NO lighting, 10K + actinics in 12" tubs with the lighting quite close to the surface of the water.

[christyf5]

I was under the impression that coralline algae liked less lit areas. From my observations, coralline grows well under and on powerheads, and lower down on the glass (especially for the front glass). I wouldn't imagine in this case its so much about PAR but rather intensity??

[Beverly]

Wow, Rich! You have a mortar and pestle Great pics of them too

I thought having a turkey baster was an exotic but required reef tool, but a mortar and pestle is something I never even thought of

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by christyf5

I was under the impression that coralline algae liked less lit areas.

come tell mine that, I am tired of scraping the glass

I have found I get the fastest growth from intense lighting and proper chemestry, I found that by lowering my Ca to 380-390 I get about twice the coraline growth as I did at 430, my corals also increased there growth at the lower level. as for PC VS MH I have 3 tanks, 1 with 400 watt radium, 1 with 250 10K HQI (SE) and VHO actinic and one with PC's and VHO actinic. the fastest growth is from the 10K HQI, then next is the 400 radium and the slowest is the PC. a interesting thing to note the 10K HQI (fastest) and the PC (slowest) share the same water through a common sump so the only factor involved is the lighting.

Steve

[TheReefGeek]

Good info steve, thanks!