Lighting and care question

[kwazy]

Hi,
So, whats the deal on purple acropora? I've been told I wont be able to keep it for some reason.
In my tank (a 10 gal.) I have a heater, a filter rated for 55 gallon tanks (also how i get water movement in this tank) and a Compact flourecent that gives off about 15 watts per gallon in both 14,000K and actinic tubes. I'm also no stranger to water changes and keeping the tank very clean.
I know I'll have to wait for the tank to be "mature" enough, but do you see any problems with this?

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by Kwazy
http:///forum/post/3188085
Hi,
So, whats the deal on purple acropora? I've been told I wont be able to keep it for some reason.
In my tank (a 10 gal.) I have a heater, a filter rated for 55 gallon tanks (also how i get water movement in this tank) and a Compact flourecent that gives off about 15 watts per gallon in both 14,000K and actinic tubes. I'm also no stranger to water changes and keeping the tank very clean.
I know I'll have to wait for the tank to be "mature" enough, but do you see any problems with this?
What exact lighting do you have? How many watts is the bulb? Is it a 50/50 light? The watts per gallon should only include the Daylight number, NOT the actinic when considering SPS.

 

[kwazy]

Well,
I have 2 different bulbs for the compact. 1 of them is just daylight and is 96 watts. The other is day light/ actinic (50/50) and is also 96 watts. I also have a little T5 (50/50 daylight actinic, 14 watt per tube, 2 tubes) to boost the compact. Good?

 

[wangotango]

Ignore watts/gallon, it is completely irrelevant and meaningless. Just about every SPS coral needs intense light, which in most cases doesn't include compact flourescents. Can it work, yes, but don't expect fantastic growth or coloration.
SPS also require very stable water parameters (especially calcium and alkalinity). It's generally harder to maintain these in smaller tanks.
-Justin

 

[kwazy]

Alright. Save the tank for softies then.
Thanks for the help.