Lighting for basic corals

[jafrancis]

How much lighting would you say for the most basic (easiest, hardiest corals) to keep. Currently I have a basic NO 20watt 50/50. Could polyps or shrooms survive? I will probably retrofit some lights but want to make sure I have the right stuff. My tank is 18 inches deep.

 

[oceana]

Originally Posted by jafrancis
How much lighting would you say for the most basic (easiest, hardiest corals) to keep. Currently I have a basic NO 20watt 50/50. Could polyps or shrooms survive? I will probably retrofit some lights but want to make sure I have the right stuff. My tank is 18 inches deep.
I ran a 29 gallon tank with nothing but 4x20 watt NO bulbs for a year. I kept shroom a few leather and ton of polyps. I would not say this is a great idea but if you have no cash and no other way then it can and does work. your just very limited on coral.
cost would be about 15 bucks for the light fixtures and about 15 per bulb for the 24inch coralife bulbs

 

[jafrancis]

when a coral is described as Low light...what does that really mean?? How low??

 

[6stokes]

Go to the home page and under Archives and FAQs and you'll find more information about lighting than you ever wanted to know...

 

[drea]

i just placed about ten little red shrooms in my tank, they opened right away..
i just have reg lighting (coral life 20K bulb)... i plan to upgrade to something decent so i can keep a nice variety of soft corals, just to add color :cheer: