Light Colour

[Njord]

So what light colour would realistically be best for coral growth. I have two tanks set way different. One is more white blue, like shallow water. The other is pretty dark blue/ purple, with 10k set at ~40%. In the blue some Coral, just don't seem to really like it all that much, but keep very good colour. In the white tank, everything grows kinda slow( soft coral seem to light itnalot though). Any thoughts, just specifically about light colour and coral response ?

 

[kapelan]

any color is good for corals.
But for algae only white color is good.
Means:
- with white we have coral grow + algae grow
- with blue we have coral grow only

 

[Kman]

7600 K to 10 K is fastest for growth. 12 k to 16 k seems to be the best balance for growth and color. Anything above 18 k to 20 k is typically best for color. But with that being said it you have a lot of 18 k to 20 k for intensity or a good amount of quality nutritious food you can make up for some of the lost growth. But really that is just a general guideline as environmental factors can easily influence growth. Light quality, water flow, nutrient levels and available growth building blocks like mag and calcium all change growth.

 

[harleymike]

Is that true. White grows algae and blue doesn't. I have 6 bulb t5. I find its too white. I have 2 coral plus, 1 actinic, 1 purple, 2 blue plus.
Was thinking of getting rid of one or both coral plus.
My corals are growing very quickly though and seem happy. Hate to mess with it. But I am fighting algae growth also.
Sorry for hijacking the thread.

 

[kapelan]

Light the source of energy.
put it this way:
For algae is much easier to use white light then blue. With only blue spectrum algae will get less energy. Less energy = weak colony.
Corals are next step in evolution they are adjusted to wider spectrum, they can eat protein as well.
There are a bunch of articles about photosynthesis: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Biology/ligabs.html