White vs Blue Lighting: Which Do You Use and Why?

[Reefer Matt]

Which spectrum of lighting you use, and why? This is based on visual only, not actual spectrum testing.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I use all kinds of spectrum, but a lot more blue in total power and for a longer time period. I do run white at power settings the same as the blue for 4 hours at midday.

The zooxanthellae that lives in most of the corals and anemones we keep, use blue spectrum light to do photosynthesis. The red and yellow light built into the white light is for other processes and not nearly as important to the corals.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I use all kinds of spectrum, but a lot more blue in total power and for a longer time period. I do run white at power settings the same as the blue for 4 hours at midday.

The zooxanthellae that lives in most of the corals and anemones we keep, use blue spectrum light to do photosynthesis. The red and yellow light built into the white light is for other processes and not nearly as important to the corals.

That’s similar to what I do as well. I use combo fixtures (Reefbrite) and ramp the main lights (Kessil a360x) up and down in intensity and spectrum, with the lights being the most “white” from noon to 6 pm.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

I run a pretty white spectrum for much of the day because I love how bright and vibrant the tank looks. It's mainly for me as I know the science says the blues are much more important (see Jason Fox's basement! it glows).

My biggest issue with the blues is that the tank always looks so dim from my POV. I prefer the bright sunshine look. My SPS don't care but I do think my lower light coral prefer the bluer parts of the day at the start and end.