Moonlight color temp?

myram · 10/09/2014, 07:46 PM

What is a good color temp to use for moonlight?

I've always used deep blue and UV for my moonlight settings, but I can't find what the true color temp is for real moonlight.

Anyone know?

Aquarist007 · 10/09/2014, 08:03 PM

It's more an aesthetic thing for humans then any value for the tank critters

rgulrich · 10/10/2014, 03:56 AM

From Advanced Aquarist:
Aquarium Lighting: Moonlight - A Concise Review ...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/7/lighting

myram · 10/10/2014, 04:42 AM

I've read that link before, still doesn't answer my question.

A sea K · 10/10/2014, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myram

I've read that link before, still doesn't answer my question.

I just quickly scanned through and it says moonlight peaks in the red spectrum @ 643nm.

myram · 10/10/2014, 05:37 AM

I have read that 12k is about the same as moonlight, then I read that it's more blue, then that article says more red.

I'm looking for the best setting to use on my Radion Pro.

driftin · 10/10/2014, 08:22 AM

From that article:
Although moonlight appears white or silvery, use of LEDs producing blue light to simulate moonlight is, at least for some coral species, correct based to peer-reviewed evidence. Use of LEDs producing white light is likely to be OK as well, since these diodes are essentially blue LEDs doped with phosphors that fluoresce longer wavelengths. However, the light intensity of the light produced by even a single blue LED has the potential to be brighter than natural moonlight measured here in Hawaii. Light penetration in aquaria, with their usually shallow (and hopefully clear!) waters, should not be an issue, so using LEDs with a maximum wavelength of 450 or 460nm may actually be an advantage due to their lower output at 480nm.

Bryopsis · 10/10/2014, 12:32 PM

Ive seen light white compared to purely blue, its reflected sun essentially dont forget..

10/09/2014, 07:46 PM	#1
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	Moonlight color temp? What is a good color temp to use for moonlight? I've always used deep blue and UV for my moonlight settings, but I can't find what the true color temp is for real moonlight. Anyone know?

10/09/2014, 08:03 PM	#2
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	It's more an aesthetic thing for humans then any value for the tank critters __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

10/10/2014, 03:56 AM	#3
rgulrich greybeard Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: MD Posts: 893	From Advanced Aquarist: Aquarium Lighting: Moonlight - A Concise Review ... http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/7/lighting __________________ The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: 360 degree walk around 300 DD island–4 300W & 2 165W ViparSpectra, 4 Kessil A350W, 2 A360WE, 3 XF150, 1 XF250, 1 XF350 Gyre along with 2 PP40 and 2 IceCap 3K gyre for robust current. Basement 150 gallon RubberMaid sump, SKIMZ skimmer, DCP18000

10/10/2014, 08:22 AM	#7
driftin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,247	From that article: Although moonlight appears white or silvery, use of LEDs producing blue light to simulate moonlight is, at least for some coral species, correct based to peer-reviewed evidence. Use of LEDs producing white light is likely to be OK as well, since these diodes are essentially blue LEDs doped with phosphors that fluoresce longer wavelengths. However, the light intensity of the light produced by even a single blue LED has the potential to be brighter than natural moonlight measured here in Hawaii. Light penetration in aquaria, with their usually shallow (and hopefully clear!) waters, should not be an issue, so using LEDs with a maximum wavelength of 450 or 460nm may actually be an advantage due to their lower output at 480nm. __________________ -Jim Current Tank Info: 70 gal custom room divider

10/10/2014, 04:42 AM	#4
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	I've read that link before, still doesn't answer my question.

10/10/2014, 05:37 AM	#6
myram #347, 19 years Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Biddeford, ME Posts: 1,714	I have read that 12k is about the same as moonlight, then I read that it's more blue, then that article says more red. I'm looking for the best setting to use on my Radion Pro.

10/10/2014, 12:32 PM	#8
Bryopsis Registered Member. Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 275	Ive seen light white compared to purely blue, its reflected sun essentially dont forget..