Radion Pro - Intensity/Color Schedule

As mentioned previously, with ever evolving LED technology I have yet to read any articles or recommendations that have sold me on the correct spectrums or intensities especially when discussing the Radion Pro specifically.  With that being said I continue to run my own trial periods on various settings watching the reactions of my corals closely.  Below is the latest schedule change made where I decided to bring all colors to 100% with the exception of Cool White.  The peak overall intensity of the fixture is 50% for 3.5 hours out of the day.

Other specifics to my aquarium: Radion height over water line ~8.00", Tank Depth 20"



Advanced Aquarist Feature: Imitating Natural Light...

Imitating Natural Light

New Corals



Shrimp both carrying a cluster of eggs.

FTS 12.05.13 - 6 Months



Water Test Results 11.15.13 - AWT



New Radion Schedule

Aside from maybe better polyp extension the colors haven't perked up much from the use of Selcon.  I made a change (below) to the lighting schedule and frequencies closer to what a 20K Metal Halide might look like.  The schedule starts with a morning simulation of low intensity deep blues and peaks around 3:30 into full spectrum. 

 



New Addition - Chocolate Percula Pair



Selcon as Coral Food??

As my aquarium enters the fourth month in operation, overall I am very pleased.  Water quality is excellent along with the health of all the animals with zero loss.  The only thing that is troubling me is the lack of coloration in my corals that otherwise show great polyp extension and growth.  Fish books, magazines, and blogs have differing opinions on what is required to achieve good coloration in SPS corals.  These factors include high water quality, quality consistency, accurate lighting spectrum and food.  The last item seems to be where there is some controversy with opinions such as feeding your corals is either not required, fish poops is enough, and direct feeding is necessary to keep your animals healthy.  I am convinced that I have met all of these requirements except intentional feeding of my SPS corals.

In previous tanks I have used Selcon as a food additive and direct feeding measure for filter feeding invertebrates with what appeared to be successful results.  It was hard to say whether or not Selcon was the main factor in that success or a coincidence since the fish population was much higher in those larger tanks.  Since I do not wish to add additional fish to my small tank at risk of higher nutrients I have decided to test and potential prove Selcon can be used successfully to target feed SPS corals.

Trial Coral #1 - 10.21.13

 Trial Coral #2 - 10.21.13





Water Test Results



Almost 4 Months

I just mailed new water samples into AquariumWaterTesting.Com this afternoon for a check up.  Water parameter results and photos coming soon...