Moonlighting

[B.R.Right]

Is it OK to use cathode bulb for moonlighting alternative to LED that is commonly sold?

I will turn-off the main lights and turn on the moonlighting just for 4-5 hours daily...

 

[CageUK]

I don't see a problem with that, I use one on my freshwater tank. You should just make sure it's protected from the salt.

When used with a variable volt transformer you have a moon light 'dimmer' so you can change it's brightness by changing the voltage to it.

Cheers

 

[andywg]

One potential issue is that most light on the reef is blue (due to absorbtion of red and orange light as any diver will know), meaning many of the fish will be very good at seeing in blue light. Putting a blue light over the tank might not be the best way to view your marine fish at night. Indeed, most books I hve recommend using a red light to see the tank's inhabitants in nocturnal mode as the light is filtered out so quickly in water they tend not to notice it.

 

[CageUK]

Very true, I think most people (me included) use moonlighting for effect more than anything. The corals don't seem to register the light though so they go bye byes when it's on.

I have two red led's for true night time viewing. Even with these, and in a darkened room, the fish seem to swim merrily around so I suspect they can even see to a degree in red light.