Do acropora require MH?

[attml]

Anyone want to guess the lighting on the May 2003 'tank of the month'
On his website his last entry was in June. Does anyone know if the acro is still alive? It can take a long time for an acro to die due to light starvation. Brooklyn Johnny's (his tank was referenced earlier in this thread) tank is a very nice one but he will be the first to tell you that maintaining acros in a Nano tank under PC or VHO is much different than in a full size tank. Here is a thread I posted a while back to illustrate this point (about light starvation).
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/73729/proper-lighting-for-sps

 

[007]

Originally posted by PuffyGrrl
I have a Acro under PC's in my 80-gallon that is doing great! True, I had to put it near the top, but it has new polyps every morning. Just remember everyone has their opinions on what is best.
Puffy . . . that is not an acropora, but rather a pocillopora. Yes, an SPS, but definitely not an acropora. I too have pocillopora under VHO and mine has done well also. Not as good as if it were under MH, but good growth none the less.

 

[dburr]

IMO, PC's are more intense, but, VHO for some reason have better color. (spectrum).
MH is the way. I also agree anything else, you will end up with brown SPS.
Puffy, IMO, that is brown.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by PuffyGrrl
I have a Acro under PC's in my 80-gallon that is doing great!
Hi Puffy,
I think that coral looks great.. I believe some SPS can thrive under VHO. Seriatopa, Hydnopora, Pocilopora, and especially Montipora.
Unfortunately I don't think Acropora do very well inder flourescent. I think you have a pocilopora there. It looks nothing like Acropora.
For what it's worth, I think Montipora grow best under VHO, but that's an exception in the SPS world. This thread is about Acropora... this is a coral that does far better under HID lighting.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by jugger
im not sure what you mean???? are you saying that PCs are more intense BUT VHOs still produce better growth?? just trying to clearify
That has been my experience. Your tank may be different because of water parameters. It is a FACT that PV are more intense than VHO. There is no question about it.
I just stated that my EXPERIENCE has shown that VHO outperform PC in growth and coral health.
My ballasts with accept any flourescent lighting. VHO has performed the best so that's what I use.
In relation to the thread Acropora require intensity beyond the capability of PC and VHO. IT REQUIRES HID.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by Kipass4130
pocillipora, seriatopora, stylophora, and montipora all have a little better chance under VHO and PC than acros... but they will ALL do better under halides
Hi Kip,
I only disagre on the Montipora... but this thread is about Acropora... right on!

 

[bang guy]

It seems many of the responders to this thread are equating Acropora to SPS. This is not valid IMO.
That's the same as saying fish are fish and they need XYZ.
SPS need to be evaluated species by species just like fish. Most SPS need more light intensity than flourescent lighting can provide. Several species can live and even thrive under the right flourescent conditions. It has been my experience that Acropora is NOT among those species that can live under flourescent lighting for extended periods.
Guy

 

[jugger]

thanks bang..... i have always been wondering about this question... nice to hear someone has tried both and has seen a difference between the two....any idea why the VHOs worked better for you???

 

[spsfreak100]

On his website his last entry was in June. Does anyone know if the acro is still alive? It can take a long time for an acro to die due to light starvation. Brooklyn Johnny's (his tank was referenced earlier in this thread) tank is a very nice one but he will be the first to tell you that maintaining acros in a Nano tank under PC or VHO is much different than in a full size tank.
Hi Mark,
I think you're reffering to Ken's tank. His tank has been setup for quite some time with great success. His corals have been alive and growing for years with great coloration. His A. secale and P. damicornis are extremely healthy, as well as all the other Acroporids in his tank. To my knowledge he has had his pocillopora spawn in his tank in several occasions. Here's his website:
http://home.earthlink.net/~kenuy/kenspage.htm
His tank is impressive.
In regards to the topic, in my opinion metal halides is the only way to go when keeping Acroporids. They simply do best under halides. Why put a coral under anything but the best? Montipora, pocillopora, hydnophora, seriatopora, pavana, and anacropora are the lower-light species which are able to live (and possibly thrive) under flourecent lighting. Also keep in mind that lighting is only one factor in keeping any small polyped scleractinian. Water quality and current also plays an extremely important role.
Just my opinion,
Graham