I’d like to keep the ATS on as long as possible, but how many hours does algae require for respiration for the best growth?
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I’d like to keep the ATS on as long as possible, but how many hours does algae require for respiration for the best growth?
I am under the impression that some algae are OK with 24 hours of light, and some need a lights out period for good health. I assume your ATS will be a mixed culture and you may need to experiment. I would expect to see a shift in what grows and how much grows as the light period increases. I think there is a chance that cyanobacteria will dominate the culture if too much light stresses some of the algae inhabitants.I’d like to keep the ATS on as long as possible, but how many hours does algae require for respiration for the best growth?
Thank you. 12/12 sounds good to me.I don’t think the answer is clear. I experimented on my refugium, between 24/7 lighting and 12 h on and 12 h off.
I saw no apparent difference, and went to 12/12 to save electricity.
check this out - Caltech study on caulerpa.
https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/...e-cell-is-intertwined-with-daily-self-rhythms
Here's their video of what caulerpa does with its chloroplasts over a day/night cycle. The chloroplasts can move a lot because caulerpa are large single-cells.
It can grow just fine on 24/7 lighting, but it was much better on 12/12.
this image from the bottom of the linked article is the comparison between the 24 on and 12/12. Same total light intensity over a day.
To be clear, this doesn't actually answer your question as to whether 12/12 or 16/8 or some other schedule is optimal.Very cool. I had a feeling less was more.