gplundberg
New Member
Hi all, I have a Aqueon T8 17 watt 24" bulb in my marine aquarium and was wondering if this would be sufficient enough for a reef. If not can I have a name of a bulb and the price. Thanks!
Coral Lighting
- Thread starter gplundberg
- Start date
silverado61
Well-Known Member
Your tanks too young for a reef yet.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by silverado61 http:///t/396619/coral-lighting#post_3534567
Your tanks too young for a reef yet.
Hi,
No such thing as too young for a reef, as long as the tank is cycled, you can add corals right off the bat.
Gplundberg, You can have soft corals, which are usually considered beginner corals anyway, since they a little more hardy and are not so picky about parameters. Nitrates must stay no higher then 10 for them to thrive. No coral survives beyond a 20 reading on nitrates.
Any non-photosynthetic coral can live in the shadows and even under plan ole fish lighting... It's important to remember that there is more then light involved, you have to watch the nitrate and phosphate levels (0 reading is best) ... Then there is the placement in the tank, the food it requires, the temps and water flow, they all play a part.
This book was really helpful to me when I kept a reef...
Example page: Click on the page to see it large enough to read.
Originally Posted by silverado61 http:///t/396619/coral-lighting#post_3534567
Your tanks too young for a reef yet.
Hi,
No such thing as too young for a reef, as long as the tank is cycled, you can add corals right off the bat.
Gplundberg, You can have soft corals, which are usually considered beginner corals anyway, since they a little more hardy and are not so picky about parameters. Nitrates must stay no higher then 10 for them to thrive. No coral survives beyond a 20 reading on nitrates.
- Chili coral
- Mushroom coral
Kenya tree coral
Leather toadstool coral
Any non-photosynthetic coral can live in the shadows and even under plan ole fish lighting... It's important to remember that there is more then light involved, you have to watch the nitrate and phosphate levels (0 reading is best) ... Then there is the placement in the tank, the food it requires, the temps and water flow, they all play a part.
This book was really helpful to me when I kept a reef...
Example page: Click on the page to see it large enough to read.
silverado61
Well-Known Member
Sorry. My bad. I stand corrected.
tthemadd1
Active Member
For softies you can get away with power compacts. Cheaper but not a lot of options with this light. T5's are common but most people are going towards LEDs. They get pricey but the options for corals are then endless.
Strong light corals are also harder to keep. Meaning SPS corals. They require pristine water conditions with little change in conditions.
I would not recommend getting SPS or LPS corals until your tank has settled out over a few months. This is just my opinion so read up on the forum and online. If you get some thoughts on specific corals that would help in determining the right lights. Prices range depending on add ons. Those with multiple settings and or programming options. Hope it helps.
Strong light corals are also harder to keep. Meaning SPS corals. They require pristine water conditions with little change in conditions.
I would not recommend getting SPS or LPS corals until your tank has settled out over a few months. This is just my opinion so read up on the forum and online. If you get some thoughts on specific corals that would help in determining the right lights. Prices range depending on add ons. Those with multiple settings and or programming options. Hope it helps.