  |
|
|
|
Coral fluorescence is a phenomenon with practical utility to the marine aquarist. It can be easily observed in the aquarium with the right equipment and knowledge.
Fluorescence is not the same as bioluminescence or phosphorescence. Fluorescence is a process in which light of one wavelength (or, as you see it, color) is absorbed by a substance and transformed into another wavelength (or color) before being emitted. The result is a substance that appears to glow. In coral, this substance may be fluorescing proteins or chlorophyll in the symbiotic algae hosted within the coral’s tissue. Curing Cancer and Alzheimer’sIn addition to being beautiful, paying attention to fluorescence in your aquarium can lead to better husbandry practices. In the laboratory, fluorescence is proving critical to Alzheimer’s and cancer research. Viewing FluoresenceActinic lighting is the most common energy source that allows aquarists to observe fluorescence in their aquaria, but there are even better ways to see the full fluorescing effect. Actinic lights produce a relatively short wavelength of light. This blue light excites and is absorbed by fluorescing animals, which, in turn, emit a longer wavelength of light. This longer wavelength of light appears as a different color than the blue light and ranges from green and yellow to orange and red. The Full EffectTo see the full fluorescent effect, you need to provide an even stronger energy source than actinic lighting. You also need to use a matched filter that will block any reflected light. NightSea, a company founded by world-renowned coral fluorescence expert Dr. Charles Mazel, makes affordable equipment for any saltwater aquarium hobbyist who wants to learn more about fluorescence. An LED Flashlight and a FilterThe necessary equipment includes a high-intensity LED flashlight and a pair of filter glasses, both of which can be purchased for less than $140. In addition, for aquarists who are also photographers, NightSea makes custom filters for flashes and lenses, which will allow you to photograph the amazing fluorescence in your aquarium. More Advanced ObservationMore advanced aquarists and coral farmers may be interested in a modular underwater magnifier (also available through NightSea) that will allow them to identify tiny organisms (including coral recruits invisible to the naked eye) found using the fluorescence viewing equipment described above. For people who simply love technology, have a burning curiosity and possess money to spend, an underwater spectrometer capable of collecting high resolution optical data underwater can now be obtained for use outside of the lab. Additional ResourcesIf you are interested in learning more about coral fluorescence, here are some articles that will get you started: Anthony Calfo’s 2005 article in Reefkeeping, and a 2008 Interview with Dr. Charles Mazel on Coral Fluorescence.
The copyright of the article Aquarium Fluorescence in Aquariums is owned by Ret Talbot. Permission to republish Aquarium Fluorescence in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
