moonlighting?

dose moonlighting suite a purpose or is it primarily aesthetic? and if it dose have a purpose is it better to have a brighter or darker moonlight?

 

If done right is serves a purpose. With a proper daylight/moonlight controller like the RKE or Neptune APEX a good moonlight can induce spawning activity of corals, clams, and many fish. In that case it's best to have it dim on and off with a good digital controller to simulate natural lunar cycles. Not only will the total on time vary, but in many better systems the intensity will vary to simulate lunar phases.

If done without such considerations, just to light the tank at night a bit, it doesn't hurt anything and is only aesthetic. In that case brightness is not as much an issue, just make sure its dark enough for your fish to sleep and diurnal corals to close, and observe nocturnal activity of other corals and inverts.

 

no purpose besides looking cool!

 

I always thought it is just for aesthetic. What is the right way (requirements?) for moonlight?

 

Sorry to quasi-hijack the thread, but I was also wondering if there was a problem with leaving moonlights on for the whole night. They're built into my hood 's main timer so I have to turn them on and off when I come downstairs to check it out, if they can't be on all night.

 

word... so if its done right?

 

I've read some things that say moonlights may encourage spawning, but there isn't any proof that I know of.

 

How ?

 

I used to believe that it was purely asthetic but now I'm not so sure. I use the R2 Solutions 4 3/8" LED and the R2 controller. I have it set up to follow the phases of the moon. My corals seem to love it and alot of them will stay out all night when the moon is 3/4 full or higher.

 

I have heard that they can help for propagation.

You have noticed a difference with this cycle?
How long have you had this setup?