LED lighting UV is a must

Hi Phil.

It's a debatable subject. But personally Ive seen enough positive effect of UVs and 420nm spectrum on shallow SPSs, this is why I decided to include both 398 and 420nm LEDs. And Ive started to see some expected ripened colors on my SPS as well after a few months. Im very happy with what I did and the results Im getting, and most importantly, my corals are all happy!

If someone was to DIY a fixture now, I always suggest them to include UVs and Ultra Violets.

 

This is great info, but I'm guessing that your corals weren't browning out before you added those spectrum's.

 

They werent browning, but definitely dull looking before going wider spectrum.

 

And we all know what manufactured system contains some violets....

le sigh

When will all this nonsense go away?

 

Well I have a "cheap" led system from aquatraders called a Beamwork Reef Bright LED Light Fixture and it has 18 LEDS total and three are actinic 460nm LEDs. Those fall in the UV spectrum and aren't violet. To assume UV has to be violet is just goofy for one. My actinics are blue and definatly have UV by the glow I get off of my corals. The coloration I'm getting is absolutely amazing. I had no idea how awesome looking my corals were till I got them home and under my lights.

Also as time progresses the colors are actually getting better.

 

lol bait taken i guess.

 

Seems so... Ah well... So many sources with so much different information and input it was bound to happen...

 

This marketing scheme aside, I do want to put some 410-420's on a 6'X1/5" heat sink to supplement my radions, not that I'd trade my radions for anything else mind you, but I am a believer in violet spectrum (due to spectographs of MH)

 

This claim totally contradicts my experience. Although all my corals brown out in 3 to 4 weeks under my 3 AI Sols. Their color recovers and totally surpasses their original color in 3 to 6 months.

I have no color complaints at all without UV. Is it possible a little UV would improve things further, sure.

 

I wonder how many years it will take to have people stop erroneously using the term "UV" for the light wavelength in question.