[nfrank]

I recently acquired my first wrgb light, a Finnex ALC. I acquired it primarily for aquarium photography— to experiment with and learn how the spectrum affects my photos and satisfies my personal visual preferences.
I am initially playing with the programmed 24/7 default (dawn to dusk + moonlight) cycle.

I provide two examples of iPhone 13 Pro photos with 24/7 lighting using my Finnex ALC. First at its default setting for 7:30pm and with its 6x brighter illumination from its maximum setting. Zooming shows latter produced a higher resolution image. Note that the fish/plant colors are also different and not necessarily optimum.

From an aquarists perspective, I really appreciate the advantages of dim viewing of fish occupants beyond my normal 8-10hr photoperiod!!

This got me to start thinking as gardener and about downsides (eg more algae?) or differences in plant growth or morphology from the continuously varying color and intensity, and especially from the extended hours of illumination with very low intensity say from 9pm - 1am and 4am -9am bluish simulated moonlight. I like the opportunity to see fish at many of those hours as long as there are not unintended consequences.

How are plants and algae expected to compare with our conventional use of shorter but stronger photoperiods with fixed PAR settings.

From plant growth (and algae)perspectives, has anyone already examined this issue and specifically trying to quantify with a calculated Daily Light Integral.
(https://www.licor.com/documents/pgfoukyy5lqxkyz3vfhqfz6go55ytiso)

I know the plant response will vary with particular species just like greenhouse horticulturists have determined.

Looking for group advice regarding suggested 24/7.

 

[mistergreen]

If you provide more light than what the plants can use, that goes to algae. Usually, more PAR, more CO2, and more nutrients are in demand.

As for photography, you need a ton of light you necessarily don't use to grow plants so you can up the fstop and shutter speed to create nonblurry, sharp images. Some attach a remote flash above the aquarium to get that bright light and not worry about buying tons of new light fixtures.

I have one Finnex 24/7 plant+, I think. It works well on my 75G for low-light plants. I had to add more DIY some LED strips to add more light for red stem plants.