Moonlight necessary?

[Sarcothelia]

Well, I had been using moonlights after day lights turned off for quite a while. I recently bought a timer, but because the ballast effects both the daylights and moonlight LEDs, I can't have one set to on and one set to off when plugged into the timer. I could just unplug the timer and do it manually, but was wondering if moonlights are even necessary.

Anyone have any info? I don't know if its stressful or not for the tank to be pretty dark at night.

 

[Rscomia]

Some people say they are purely cosmetic but I have also heard they encourage mating in some species

 

[mandarinlove]

sometimes it actually helps keep some of the corals open a little bit at night instead of completely closing

 

[iDream]

IMO no effect but for you to be able to see you're tank at night.

They used to think it promoted coral spawning, but this is untrue

 

[Nyghtfire]

Its really a debate. I believe it has been helping my coraline grow and given greater growth on some of my corals but I have no way of proving it.
In the end its your choice by no way a must have.

 

[Sarcothelia]

I don't really think it keeps them open. I have some 12 watt LED strips for dawn/dusk effect and most corals are closed even then, with those being much brighter than the moonlights.

 

[melosu58]

It`s not necessary. I`ve had my tank for 13+ yrs and never had moonlights. Unless you want to consider the computer screen in the room. LOL. You dont have to have them.

 

[Sarcothelia]

Alright, thanks. Just wasn't sure if no extra light added stress at night.