Reef Tank Lighting
The Serious Reefs 60 Second Reef Tank Lighting FAQ answers the most common questions reefers have about reef tank lighting in less than a minute. Ask your lighting questions below. including how much light corals actually need, how to set PAR correctly, choosing the right lights for your tank, and avoiding common mistakes that lead to bleaching or poor growth. Built from real questions asked by reefers and Serious Reefs members, each answer focuses on practical, experience-based solutions that make reef tank lighting simple, effective, and repeatable. The goal is to remove the guesswork around lighting so reefers can achieve better coral health, growth, and long term success without unnecessary complexity. FAQs are released on SR’s Youtube, Instagram, facebook, and TikTok pages, and organized here.
Does Moon Or Ambient Light Affect Corals and Reef Tanks? | SR FAQ #4
One of the most common questions we hear is whether a reef tank needs to be kept in a dark room at night. The short answer is: yes and no. Corals are surprisingly sensitive to light cues, particularly moonlight, but everyday household ambient light usually won’t wreck a tank. There are, however, a few important biological and practical considerations to understand so we can keep corals healthy and encourage natural behaviors like spawning.
Best PAR meter for reef tank? Affordable options that actually work.
Finding the best PAR meter for reef tank use doesn't have to break the bank. We wanted a practical answer for hobbyists asking whether a sub-$200 meter could give meaningful readings compared with industry standards. After testing two inexpensive units and comparing them to a trusted reference, we came away with clear, usable guidance for people who want accurate light measurements without spending big money
When Should I Add Fill Light To an SPS Dominant Mixed Reef?
Why add fill light in an SPS dominated mixed reef? When acros are browning out or showing stunted growth that is visible to the naked eye, adding strip or fill lighting usually fixes the problem. Fill lights brighten shadowed pockets and give SPS better, more even coverage so acros color up and grow more uniformly.
Ask Serious Reefs - SR FAQ
We answer as many questions as we can right here—but this is also where we scout the best ones for upcoming SR FAQ videos. Ask something great, and you might see it featured.