Lights Off

[trc]

I recently read in another forum, that some reefers turn their lights off for 3 days every two months or so, and then gradually bring their lights back on, acintic first then the brights. They claim that after doing this, it seems that their tanks appear healthier. Reasoning being that in the wild, reefs don't always get full days of sun, day after day, everyday of the year. I'm curious what thoughts there are on this.

 

[LakeEd]

Interesting idea, but 3 days without any lights is even more un-natural than leaving lights on same schedule all the time I would think. I could possiblly understand some "dimmer day" period, but not totally lights out.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Krish]

I agree Ed...Not too sure how beneficial that would be with total darkness for 3 days and besides, even on an overcast day, you'll be surprised at what light still penetrates reefs in the wild from the sun. Just thinking out loud though

 

[Brenden]

Do not think it would benefit anything. We currently struggle just to give them light close to what they would normally have. A day off would not be a issue but I think 3 days off would cause more stress than good.

 

[thumperss]

i am going with less lights but turning them all off might kill off somethangs your ph would go up alot in 3 days i think
Brandon

 

[salmonslayer]

I have had my lights on a timer for over a year and Can't see how it would make things better. Give it a try and let us know.
PS I have had good luck with lights on and sump lights off. Sump lights on and tank off. Helps With PH. Try running VHO'S but not total darkness. Good luck Keep us posted if you try it.
JMO

 

[burning2nd]

I agree Ed...Not too sure how beneficial that would be with total darkness for 3 days and besides, even on an overcast day, you'll be surprised at what light still penetrates reefs in the wild from the sun. Just thinking out loud though

i dont remember where but i red something about even on the cloudiest day, (u can still tan) the sun has np riping thur the thickest of the thickest clouds

 

[Krish]

Yup! We call it wind burn here when you get home withn a tan after an overcast day

 

[shallowreef]

i wouldn't turn your lights off completely but i would just run actinics for a day. That would better simulate a cloudy day than just lights off.

 

[DonW]

Do not think it would benefit anything. We currently struggle just to give them light close to what they would normally have. A day off would not be a issue but I think 3 days off would cause more stress than good.

Actually we can easily get to the point of photoinhabition. I really doubt that any of us do unless your running some abnormally long photoperiod. Experimenting with the photo period can yield some decent results but going without for a few days is not one that I would try.

Don