best Watts/gal for coral

[m.rogers]

The best watts/gal for good growth of coral for a beginner. I have 2.64 watts pre gallon if i do need more how much more would be good

 

[brenner_jeff]

Thats low for most corals, I have been very succesfull with mushroom corals at that level though, I would get at least 5 watts/gallon

 

[attml]

The general rule is 3-5 watts per gallon but some corals and clams require closer to the 5 watts/gallon range

 

[a&m aggie 04']

to get the full coloration of clams your probably going to need more than 5 watts per gallon
What type of corals are you wanting to have?
Mushrooms, Polyps, Feather Dusters are pretty low light corals, and 3 watts per gallon should do. 5 watts per gallon will let you have most.
What type of lighting do you have?

 

[m.rogers]

Wright now i have 110watt power compact and 80 watt normaloutput flourescents

 

[azonic]

m. rogers - Right now I've got 9.7 watts per gallon. 800 watts of halide, 80 watts of normal actinic..
I plan on my tank being mainly LPS, SPS, and clams. Even with the two 400 watt halides I'm not going to purchase any SPS or clams until I add an Icecap 660 to get 440 more watts of actinic light. A little overboard? maybe, but my reasoning is that I'm going to have this tank for a while and I might as well buy the best available now as to not limit myself sometime down the road....

 

[jarre]

Azonic I don't know if there is anything like overkill, but if there is I bet you'll let us know!! lol
I was running 185W VHO on my 45 and switched to 350W MH this Saturday. I can tell a huge difference for the better already!!! And am planning at least 6.5 - 7 watts on my new systems.
I've noticed people like Bang Guy and other sharks seem to have close to 7W per gallon too. Maybe it's me, but I watch things like that...LOL

 

[m.rogers]

i am going to up the watt now i just have to come up with a go way to set it up i have a 72 bofront with a glass top what way sould i go. I am going to my lfs tomorrow and talk to someone about lighting. this is what the top of my tank lookes like i have know hod.

 

[blondenaso1]

Even though I think watt/gal is not the best rule of thumg to go by, it serves its purpose. I have to agree with Azonic, if you want sps or even lps corals then 10-15 watts/gal is ideal. My 20 has 13.75 w/g and everything is supper happy.