Is a consistent light cycle a must?

I'm curious, is a consistent light cycle mandatory for consistent coral growth?

Allow me to provide more detail. How much benefit is having the lights go on and off at the same time each day for coral growth in comparison to a light cycle that varies between 10-14 hours a day starting and ending at varying times throughout a week?

Has anyone done any research on this?

 

I think as long as the corals were getting the required amount of light a day it wouldnt matter.

I think it would matter to any fish you put in. Fish that are "awake" too long can become tired. If they are tired they can become stressed and it lowers thier immune system. This can then lead to all sorts of stress related ilnesses.

If you put a timer on your light, you really dont need to worry about this as it will turn on and off without you having to do anything.

I personally have my lights on for 10hours. My corals seem fine and my fish behave as I would expect them to. If over time I feed my coral needs more light, I will simply keep it on longer.

I would try and go for between 10 - 12 hours of light maximum, as really, the sun isnt up for more than 12 hours, so why should it be on for longer in an aquarium?

Hope this helps.

Ryan

 

Thanks. I'm very aware of those points that you mentioned. I've taken a few coral ecology classes in college. My question is geared more towards scientific data pointing to more productive growth on tanks with a consistent light cycle.

 

Now I am wondering if altering your lighting seasonally (longer photo period in the summer, shorter in the fall)mimicking that of the caribbean would benefit.

Off to google

 

Aren't the majority of coral reefs located around the equator where the sunlight stays the most consistent?

 

^ What he said. I personally do not think it would make much of a difference, though I see no problem with it if you wanted to do so.

 

Yeah, I doubt it really would, but subtle changes cause certain species of plants to bloom and fruit at different times, switch from using energy to grow verse storing it, same for many species of animals. We strive to create an environment as close as we can to the ocean, so just curious to see if any one has tried and noticed anything.

 

A timer cost about $5, so a constant light cycle is a must IMO, as fish don't like the confusion.

 

Between 30 N and S. There are seasonal light and temperature shifts. It's what drives the monsoon seasons.

 

What if fish weren't in the equation?