Macroalgae scrubber (refugium) photoperiods

[Delphinus]

Thanks for the comments and links, guys.

pH control is the primary reason I went with reverse photoperiod 12/12 on this refugium. However, this tank in question is having a really hard time recovering from its crash about 5-6 weeks ago. The nitrates are profound (i.e., > 80ppm). Thus, I kind of changed some things around that I knew weren't helping the situation, and now I'm thinking about temporarily going with this 24/7 refugium just to try kick-starting the growth and suck down some of those nitrates. I know that if this were a true bona-fide "refugium" then I'd give a hoot about nocturnal 'pods and worms, but for the time being I would rather this be the most effective scrubber it can be, rather than a refugium. It can go back to being a good refugium once the tank has recovered.

Sporalating though ... is not a lot of fun, that's for sure. So that IS a pretty big downside if it happens more under 24/7 lighting.

[ 27 May 2002, 12:43: Message edited by: delphinus ]