[APD] Lighting "siesta" period

["Tim"]

In his Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants (2003), Peter Hiscock writes:
"Plants are able to regulate the rate of photosynthesis relatively
easily, and quickly respond to changes in light conditions. In other
words, they do not take long to warm up and start photosynthesizing once
there is sufficient light. However, algae are not as biologically
advanced as plants and need a long and relatively uninterrupted period
of light to function properly. It is possible to combat algae in the
aquarium by controlling the intensity and period of lighting in the
aquarium and creating a 'siesta' period. This is a period of darkness
that interrupts the normal day/night cycle in the aquarium. If the
aquarium receives 5-6 hours of lighting followed by 2-3 hours of
darkness and then another 5-6 hours of light, the plants will be
relatively unaffected and receive enough light throughout the day, but
algae growth rates will be significantly reduced and may even start to
die back."

Is anyone aware of any empirical or even anecdotal evidence that would
support this assertion?

Tim
Portland, OR

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