Reef log

Coral Care: Light, An Introduction

Lighting is perhaps one of the most complex subjects in reef aquarium keeping. As hobbyists we are constantly exposed to advanced terminology such as PAR, PUR, and Kelvin, as well as other more obscure terms such as Lux, Lumens, and CRI for example. In this article we are going to establish what light is as a concept and explore its basic properties and functions. By first providing a basic overview of the functions, behaviours, sources, and forms of light, we can then further explore more complex topics, such as LEDs, which have become one of the most controversial matters in the reef keeping hobby and industry this decade. Throughout our Coral Care series we intend to provide an in-depth examination of all the important related topics that are relevant to reef keeping by presenting them in a comprehensive and scientific form that can still be understood by any reef keeper. 

A Case for a Research-Based Aquaculture Industry

Every year, millions of marine organisms are removed from the world’s coral reefs and associated habitats and inserted into a pipeline that empties into more than two million homes and public aquariums worldwide. Coral reefs are under a host of pressures, both global and local pressures, with the result that nearly three quarters of the world’s coral reefs are already severely threatened. These global pressures arise in part from global citizens’ unfamiliarity of the importance of coral reefs thereby causing an under-valuation of coral reef habitats in the wild. With adequate research provided by both academic institutions and qualified members of the marine aquaculture industry, greater awareness of, and appreciation for coral reefs by both reef-keeping and non-reef-keeping citizens could be achieved which could eventually help alleviate of some of those pressures.