Aquarium aesthetics often prioritize visually appealing backgrounds, with black being a popular choice. However, this seemingly innocuous decision significantly impacts the health and growth of aquarium inhabitants, particularly corals. This article investigates the surprising effect of background color on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) levels within the aquarium environment. We explore the impact of various background colors, including black, white, blue, clear, and mirrored surfaces, on light penetration and distribution throughout the tank.Our research utilizes PAR measurements at multiple depths within the aquarium, coupled with a visual laser test to demonstrate the differing effects of light reflection and absorption. The results reveal a considerable disparity in PAR levels based on background color, highlighting the importance of this often-overlooked factor in maintaining a thriving reef ecosystem. This study provides crucial insights into optimizing light distribution within the aquarium for optimal coral health and growth, urging aquarists to reconsider their background choices beyond mere aesthetics.
Pros And Cons
- Clear/unpainted backgrounds provide the highest average PAR throughout the tank.
- Mirrored backgrounds perform similarly to clear backgrounds.
- Black backgrounds significantly reduce PAR, especially in the middle and bottom of the tank.
- White backgrounds, while reflecting light, cause diffuse reflection leading to less intense reflected light than clear or mirrored backgrounds.
Read more: Top 5 Freshwater Aquarium Backgrounds
PAR Loss in Black-Backed Aquariums
Many aquarists paint their tank backgrounds black, believing it enhances the overall aesthetic. However, this seemingly simple choice significantly impacts the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) levels within the aquarium.
Studies show a considerable PAR reduction, exceeding one-third, specifically in the back of the tank. This loss is more pronounced at the bottom, where most corals are placed. This decrease in light penetration directly affects coral growth and health.
The black background absorbs a significant portion of the light spectrum, leading to lower PAR levels in these areas. It is therefore crucial to consider the implications for the back inhabitants of your reef tank.
Impact of Different Background Colors on PAR
To investigate the effect of different background colors, various scenarios were tested—clear, white, multiple shades of blue, and a mirrored surface. The tests measured PAR at multiple points throughout the tanks, top, middle and bottom.
Surprisingly, the clear and mirrored backgrounds had the highest average PAR levels. The white and lighter blue backgrounds performed similarly but slightly lower than the clear or mirrored versions. The black background yielded the lowest PAR values.
The results demonstrated the crucial role background color plays in light reflection and absorption within an aquarium, directly influencing PAR levels available to corals and other inhabitants.
Laser Test: Visualizing Light Reflection and Absorption
A laser test was conducted using neon green-dyed water to visualize the light's behavior on different background surfaces. This allowed for a direct observation of reflection, absorption, and scattering.
The clear tank demonstrated a strong, direct reflection, while the black tank showed minimal reflection and significant absorption. The white and light blue backgrounds showed diffuse reflection, scattering the light in various directions.
The laser test visually confirmed the PAR data, showcasing how background color directly impacts light distribution and intensity within the aquarium. This effect is critical for optimal coral growth and overall reef tank health.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Background
The research clearly indicates that the choice of aquarium background significantly affects PAR levels, especially in the back areas where many reefers place corals.
A clear or mirrored background provides superior PAR distribution, promoting healthier coral growth compared to colored backgrounds, particularly black, which drastically reduces PAR. White and light blues offer a compromise, but their diffused reflection might not be as efficient as direct reflection from clear or mirrored surfaces.
Therefore, careful consideration should be given to background color selection, balancing aesthetic preferences with the crucial need for optimal light distribution for a thriving reef tank ecosystem. If possible, a clear back is best, unless your aquascape hides the back area.