Light penetration through rough water

[gablett]

Does having rough surface water lower penetration? My powerheads make some decent wake on the top water to help keep it clean since I dont have an overflow. Does that lower penetration? I have 300w of 20k MH. I get a good shimmer which I like, but dont want to harm photosynthesis in my corals. I have lords, zoas and palys, star polyps, some candy cane, anemone and a monti.

[bigswaug80]

no you wont have a problem with that. you may end up fooling around with the height above the tank and different power bulbs. 20k looks awesome, but u get much better growth with 10k. i was using 14k with minimal growth, put a 10k in there, the corals started taking off. i use a couple actinic t-5's to add the color.

[gablett]

Ok cool thanks. Yea I love 20ks. I'm looking into adding actinic leds. If I do that, when I need new bulbs in 6 months ill do 10k.

[Scoobers]

Actually the rough water acts like a magnifying glass of sorts. Those shimmer lines are concentrated light. I don't know whether or not they are significant enough to help your corals but they definitely wont hurt them.

[gablett]

Awesome. Thanks for the replies guys.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by Scoobers

Actually the rough water acts like a magnifying glass of sorts. Those shimmer lines are concentrated light.

+1 I recall reading that it has a measurable positive impact on PAR. Surface agitation also aids in gas exchange - a win-win scenario.

[lemec]

Plus the shimmering looks very cool..

[sasharotty]

I agree the more shimmer the better!!