With regards to the ocean and light penetration, it is of note that there are two major divisions:
Plants require sunlight to carry on photosynthesis—the process by which they convert carbon dioxide, water, and other nutrients to simple carbohydrates to produce energy, releasing oxygen as a by-product. Below a depth of about 660 feet (200 meters), not enough sunlight penetrates to allow photosynthesis to occur. The area of the ocean where photosynthesis occurs is known as the euphotic zone (meaning "good light").From 660 to 3,000 feet (200 to 900 meters), only about 1 percent of sunlight penetrates. This layer is known as the dysphotic zone (meaning "bad light"). Below this layer, down to the deepest parts of the ocean, it is perpetual night. This last layer is called the aphotic zone (meaning "without light"). In the deeper parts of the ocean floor, below the euphotic zone, no herbivores (plant eaters) can survive.
The euphotic zone is probably the most important of all oceanic zones. By some estimates, about two-thirds of all the photosynthetic activity that occurs on Earth (on land and in the water) takes place within the euphotic zone.
In the region of the pelagic zone from the surface to 660 feet (200 meters), phytoplankton (algae and microscopic plants) live. They are the primary producers of the ocean, the lowest level on the oceanic food web. They use the process of photosynthesis to provide food for themselves and for higher organisms. On the next level upward in the pelagic food web are the primary consumers, the zooplankton (microscopic animals). They feed on phytoplankton and, in turn, become food for larger animals.
Within our aquariums, many of us will keep reef systems. Many corals require external sources of food for good health even if they contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae. In researching your corals, make sure you know the requirements of your corals and whether they require phytoplankton, zooplankton or both.
SH
- Benthic - pertaining to the ocean floor. The benthic realm extends from the shoreline to the deepest parts of the ocean floor.
- Pelagic - The water portion of the ocean.
Plants require sunlight to carry on photosynthesis—the process by which they convert carbon dioxide, water, and other nutrients to simple carbohydrates to produce energy, releasing oxygen as a by-product. Below a depth of about 660 feet (200 meters), not enough sunlight penetrates to allow photosynthesis to occur. The area of the ocean where photosynthesis occurs is known as the euphotic zone (meaning "good light").From 660 to 3,000 feet (200 to 900 meters), only about 1 percent of sunlight penetrates. This layer is known as the dysphotic zone (meaning "bad light"). Below this layer, down to the deepest parts of the ocean, it is perpetual night. This last layer is called the aphotic zone (meaning "without light"). In the deeper parts of the ocean floor, below the euphotic zone, no herbivores (plant eaters) can survive.
The euphotic zone is probably the most important of all oceanic zones. By some estimates, about two-thirds of all the photosynthetic activity that occurs on Earth (on land and in the water) takes place within the euphotic zone.
In the region of the pelagic zone from the surface to 660 feet (200 meters), phytoplankton (algae and microscopic plants) live. They are the primary producers of the ocean, the lowest level on the oceanic food web. They use the process of photosynthesis to provide food for themselves and for higher organisms. On the next level upward in the pelagic food web are the primary consumers, the zooplankton (microscopic animals). They feed on phytoplankton and, in turn, become food for larger animals.
Within our aquariums, many of us will keep reef systems. Many corals require external sources of food for good health even if they contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae. In researching your corals, make sure you know the requirements of your corals and whether they require phytoplankton, zooplankton or both.
SH
