Accelerated coral growth tricks.

[ReeferB28]

I only mention the fish because it may not be an appropriate way to get additional growth from a display tank. It seems like fish that graze during the day have a harder time adjusting than fish that hunt at night. Definitely worth a try for maximizing growth in a frag tank without fish.


I agree it is proven for zoas and some other soft corals. Seems like SPS have had more mixed results. Anecdotes range from more growth with worse color to slower growth with better color. I do agree there is more than enough evidence to it to move the conversation forward. It's an interesting conversation to have and the more information that can be gathered the better.

That was the purpose of me even starting the thread originally. My goal was to start a thread where open-minded people would come together, experiment with it, and share their experiences so that we can all learn from eachother. I didn't expect to hit that much resistance to free information.

 

[Brew12]

That was the purpose of me even starting the thread originally. My goal was to start a thread where open-minded people would come together, experiment with it, and share their experiences so that we can all learn from eachother. I didn't expect to hit that much resistance to free information.

It happens. We have a very diverse group here at R2R and not everyone will react the same way to potentially radical ideas. Some of us are a little more set in our ways. I'm sure my reaction was very similar the first time I heard this brought up.

 

[DancingShark]

I don't think the initial response was of resistance. It was just healthy skepticism.

We are taking about thousands or 10s of thousands of dollars in some case on the line.

I do love old time reefers coming in and sharing info. I love reading and listening to Peletta or Sanjay and learning from them.

Funny thing is when I started the hobby and was looking for info on how to start a reef tank I saw them and though what do this old guys know and skipped one of their videos.

Thanks for coming back and sharing some knowledge.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

That was the purpose of me even starting the thread originally. My goal was to start a thread where open-minded people would come together, experiment with it, and share their experiences so that we can all learn from eachother. I didn't expect to hit that much resistance to free information.

Again, I meant no disrespect or to be any sort of resistance, this is a topic that I find very interesting and would love to learn more about from other that have more experience in this hobby than myself (I'm very new to reefing). I apologize if what I said or what I'm saying is coming across as hostile but unfortunately I have no control over the tone you use when you read what I've written. I was writing with a calm, diplomatic and philosophical tone in both what I wrote before and what I'm writing now. My apologies if my grammar failed to convey such a disposition.

 

[Jay Z]

They’ve been growing deer antlers like this for years. By controlling the lighting cycle they can make them grow and shed up to 4 sets of antlers a year.

Not sure what the issue is with your thoughts and info is on this. I do hate small minded and ignorant people.

If I was a coral farmer I would be doing all sorts of crazy stuff with lighting and parameters.

 

[Jon Fishman]

I am willing to give it a shot....

 

[Steve Fast]

here is the book

http://www.practicalcoralfarming.com/

 

[Nathan Milender]

Now, I'm sure the vast majority of people who read this , are going to wonder why someone with such a low post count is starting this thread. Judge not! Don't let that get to you, I've been in this hobby since way before radions were the hotness, and way back when Aquamedic HqI fixtures were the thing.
Anyways, I wanted to share this bit of information for the betterment and continued sustainability of our precious hobby.

Now, I've only ever tried this with zoanthids/palys, but since all photosynthetic corals have zooxanthelle in them, I'm sure that if implemented, most people will see accelerated growth vs what they are getting now . Some people won't like that I'm sharing this with the community, but that doesn't phase me. Now, onto the info....

Back in 2004 or earlier, a bunch of environmental scientists got together to discuss coral conservation, and their findings after much research. Tropical coral reefs, only ever get 2.5-4 hours of Peak sunlight. So, naturally zooxanthelle have adapted to do the majority of their photosynthesis during this period. These scientists experimented with these organisms, and discovered that they were able to two growth periods in 24 hours. 4 on , 8 off . Light dependent and independent reactions. Now, I too was skeptical when I first read this. After implementing this, I saw amazing results. For the doubters, feel free to research it.

Just thought I'd drop this here to help everyone out! ;)

When you get set up again, if you feel like it, post your actual light programming with time intervals, spectrum, and intensity for the depth you used.

 

[Streetcred]

I can tell you the internet is a dark and mysterious place... I'm not saying what you've said is inaccurate (because I don't know) but I can say with confidence that is not the best defence- If you don't think people distort reality, facts and spin the wildest conspiracies because of logic and the inherit goodness in their hearts- Let me be the first to welcome you to the internet;Hilarious

Again, I'm not trying to say there isn't weight behind what you've said, I'm simply stating that we no longer live in a world where we can trust everything we hear, read or see. we must question it, ponder it and if we wish to enlighten others with our knowledge or discoveries we must prove it. Going forward I strongly recommend finding the proof and including it with your claims. It's not anyone else's responsibility to prove that you're right. If the proof is in that book than you are solely responsible for finding it, presenting it and understanding that until you do any claims you make shouldn't be treated as anything more than just a claim.


Technology and science constantly advance and evolve as does our understanding of the world and our place in it. There will always be new discoveries and revelations and anything we know at any given time has the potential to become obsolete and what you've suggested is not immune to that, I'm not aware of anything that truly is.

With all that said I appreciate the spirit you're capturing of freely sharing information for the sake of the hobby and conservation. Once again I'm not trying to go after what you've said or your character. Also a safe deduction from you lower post count is that although you are not new to the hobby you're likely relatively new to the forum so, Welcome to Reef2Reef!

... and a Washington DC location to boot ;-)

I'm constantly amused by revelations of "environmental scientists" (I'm assuming micro biologist coral 'specialists' ? ) 'discovering' these 'new' things already generally known by hobbyists. Reference any of Calfo's publications for enhancing coral growth. Elevate pH +8.3, elevate alkalinity 10-12 dKh, elevate calcium 480 ppm, elevate magnesium 1500 ppm, correct spectrum lighting at recommended PAR for the organisms, good water husbandry and movement. Been doing this hobby since ~1993.

 

[tgp4274]

When you get set up again, if you feel like it, post your actual light programming with time intervals, spectrum, and intensity for the depth you used.

yes plz :D

 

[vetteguy53081]

many reefers are afraid or not receptive to change. We all have our methods for husbandry and success. Everything is worth a try while some bring skeptical feelings.
Do post pics and updates which is the biggest driver for change and results from your research.

 

[stacksoner]

This reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer adopted DaVinci's sleep schedule!

 

[leorii2000]

T w po pics =
T

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

Now, I'm sure the vast majority of people who read this , are going to wonder why someone with such a low post count is starting this thread. Judge not! Don't let that get to you, I've been in this hobby since way before radions were the hotness, and way back when Aquamedic HqI fixtures were the thing.
Anyways, I wanted to share this bit of information for the betterment and continued sustainability of our precious hobby.

Now, I've only ever tried this with zoanthids/palys, but since all photosynthetic corals have zooxanthelle in them, I'm sure that if implemented, most people will see accelerated growth vs what they are getting now . Some people won't like that I'm sharing this with the community, but that doesn't phase me. Now, onto the info....

Back in 2004 or earlier, a bunch of environmental scientists got together to discuss coral conservation, and their findings after much research. Tropical coral reefs, only ever get 2.5-4 hours of Peak sunlight. So, naturally zooxanthelle have adapted to do the majority of their photosynthesis during this period. These scientists experimented with these organisms, and discovered that they were able to two growth periods in 24 hours. 4 on , 8 off . Light dependent and independent reactions. Now, I too was skeptical when I first read this. After implementing this, I saw amazing results. For the doubters, feel free to research it.

Just thought I'd drop this here to help everyone out! ;)

Can you provide links to back your heresy. LOL:)
Don't forget you started the thread. ;)

 

[FO_Reef]

Can you provide links to back your heresy. LOL:)
Don't forget you started the thread. ;)

Read the thread, there’s links. And it’s hearsay, not heresy...

 

[Oscaror]

Uh oh! Someone presented something that goes against the norm in this hobby :confused: Posting before it becomes a flame war :rolleyes:

How does this affect coral coloration? Im personally more concerned with the color of my corals than the growth. Id rather have a bright tank that grows 50% as fast as a brown one.

 

[ScottR]

Read the thread, there’s links. And it’s hearsay, not heresy...

I believe @Jomama did mean to say heresy. It means “controversial opinion” basically.

 

[ReeferB28]

Wow! This thread Really took off since I last Saw. Since I have a few people to respond to directly, I'll just do it one time .

 

[sghera64]

Hmmmmm, I wonder if there is an analogous effect on macro algae in refugiums [ Lights on for 8 hrs, then off for 4 hrs].

I suppose that if one had a large DT and was applying two light cycles in 24 hrs, and they had a refugium, they'd want to keep that "in synch".

Then again, with only 8hrs on and 4 hrs off, the pH swing might be less and thus enhance stability.

For those of us who frag and sell, I'm also wondering if there is some sort of "re-acclimation" process we might need to employ to bring our sticks back to "the ordinary world" of light cycle that a coral buyer would use. Maybe that's of no matter.

 

[ReeferB28]

Again, I meant no disrespect or to be any sort of resistance, this is a topic that I find very interesting and would love to learn more about from other that have more experience in this hobby than myself (I'm very new to reefing). I apologize if what I said or what I'm saying is coming across as hostile but unfortunately I have no control over the tone you use when you read what I've written. I was writing with a calm, diplomatic and philosophical tone in both what I wrote before and what I'm writing now. My apologies if my grammar failed to convey such a disposition.