LEDs for moonlight

I understand that moonlight is basicly sunlight at a really low intensity. so if the light is compairable to your high cri flourescent and is low, really low, output then you have something that is realistic. however I think the real challenge is rigging the timer to include a dimmer on it to create a cycle that matches the actual lunar calendar.

now that is something I would get interested in...

throw a couple of dimmer nights in the middle of the full moon period to aproximate cloudy nights :)

you could spend more time on the moonlight system than the rest of the tank :D
 
The dimmer idea sounds like a winner. Thats a really good idea. I have a routine when turning on my lights in the morning.

-First, I turn on the desk light to bring "some" light to the room. Wait about 10 minutes.

-Next, I turn on the ceiling fan light (4 75 WATT bulbs is bright). Wait about 10 more minutes.

-Then, I lift the lid....wait a few minutes.

-Then, turn on the light with the lid up. Freaks everyone out everytime.

If I had a dimmer on a timer that would gradually light up the tank....no stress. If one hasnt been invented yet, sounds like a money maker.
 
I am pretty sure flourescents can't be dimmed... so unless you are using a filiment type of light you won't be able to achieve your gradual light turning on like you want

and as to the startling of your fish I think its the vibrations from the switch when you turn it on that startle them more than the light comming on. my tank is on a timer and my activities startle my fish more than the lights coming on or off.

the other thing I think that makes it worse, if you are standing right there when the lights come on is your fishes attention is directed out of the tank moreso than when you are not right there. if they are looking at something in the tank the light helps them see better but if they are looking out of the tank(at you) the light makes it harder to see you because of the glare. after a minute or two they adjust and are fine but the change in how well they can see you could spook them
 
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I thought you couldn't see UV.. ?

You can't. It makes things glow though. blacklights are UV lights.
 
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