UV Light Spectrum and effect on coral

[Jzhou]

Does anyone have any opinions on the use of UV within the lighting of the reef tank. From what I've read UV within the spectrum of 420 nm helps brings out pigmentation within corals. The way this happens is that the light actually somewhat hurts the corals and as a defense mechanism, corals develop more pigmentation to reflect the damaging rays. Light within the 420 spectrum supposedly also helps with coral photosythesis as it helps provides a wider light spectrum.

Does anyone have more information this. I'm debating rather or not to add this towards a light build. All I know for sure is that UV below the 400 nm range is pretty bad for us.

 

[bhazard451]

UV is below 400nm. Above 400nm is Violet. Violets are VERY beneficial to coral growth and color. I've run led fixtures with and without violets, and have had better results with them installed.

Violets in the 410-430nm range work very well. I use at least 8 per every 55 leds.

 

[jedimaster1138]

This is the most informative article of lighting an aquarium that I've seen to date.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/10/aafeature

PS - I'm currently running 2x Maxspect Razor, 160w, 16k's on my 120g long, and they kick butt. :thrash: