Lighting Issue

c4haskett · Sep 24, 2025

I have a problem and I can't figure it out. I was hoping one of you can. I have a 2 month old frag tank (4x2) connected with a 100 gallon Rubbermaid refugium which both drain into a 40 breeder sump. It may be worth noting that 3/4 sides of the frag tank are tinted black.The water in the refugium and sump is clear, however the frag tank is not. I have eliminated the following problems. Lights, aquarium glass itself. You can see the individual beams of light and I have not seen that before. I tried my best to get a decent picture.

Reef Jedi · Sep 25, 2025

A diffuser may help spread the individual led lights and blend the spectrum better. That would be my initial thought.

BryanM · Sep 25, 2025

Lots of people run carbon to clear up water as well.... I would be one of those people.

dank.reefer · Sep 25, 2025

BryanM said:
Lots of people run carbon to clear up water as well.... I would be one of those people.

+1 for carbon.

Your water in the other tanks is probably hazy also but, just not as noticeable. It is much easier to see the haze when you can look through the side of the tank and thus the side of the light beam. When looking down into a black tank(Rubbermade) or looking into a clear but unlit tank(sump) you may not be able to see the haze. Just like how you can see sunbeams of light shining through a window or a beam of light shooting out of a flashlight at night. The sunlight and flashlight beams are just illuminating the dust, moisture, and other particulates in the air that you otherwise cannot see.