Low Light Corals?

[acrylic300]

I just set up this 300 gal. tank It only has 200 watts of florescent lighting and gets 3 hrs of sunlight a day. Are there any low light corals out there that will work or should I just go FOWLR? I wont be getting better lights.

 

[lion_crazz]

It would probably just be better to do FOWLR. There are not many if any corals that would do well with less than 1 watt per gallon of flourescent.

 

[yetti]

FOWLR - No where near enough Light IMO

 

[carshark]

Originally Posted by lion_crazz
It would probably just be better to do FOWLR. There are not many if any corals that would do well with less than 1 watt per gallon of flourescent.

I was under the impression that there arent corals out there that could use anything under 3 watts per gallon, if there are corals out there that i can use 1 watt per gallon let me know, im using 80watts for my 75 FOWLR...

 

[carshark]

By the way great tank!!!!

 

[bigarn]

I agree, if you don't plan on upgrading the lights stick with FOWLR. Keep an eye on the water temp with that direct sunlight though.

 

[acrylic300]

I was wondering if maybe the sunlight would boost the Watts per gallon a bit? :notsure:
I've noticed some people who farm reef have green houses set up :thinking:

 

[larrynews]

not that you dont already know this but watch the temp with the sunlight on the tank, somethimes they spike pretty high

 

[carshark]

Originally Posted by larrynews
not that you dont already know this but watch the temp with the sunlight on the tank, somethimes they spike pretty high

also watch the algae growth, it can get quite nasty in direct sunlight...

 

[acrylic300]

The sunlight raises the temp to about 81 F. Its about the same as having all the Triton bulbs going (cheap ballests). Im sure 3x 400 watt MH would raise it more. But if you all want to send me some free samples I'll give it a try.

 

[bigarn]

If that's as high as it gets you're fine ..... sorry, no samples.

 

[kdfrosty]

Keep in mind that you also want to avoid temperature fluctations. Stability with temp is much more important than a slightly high temp.

 

[bigarn]

Good point ...... no more than 2 degrees either way.

 

[acrylic300]

There is enough mass that it does'nt flux much.

 

[jerthunter]

What about sun corals? I read they do not require any significant light source... How much light per gallon would be required for them?

 

[celacanthr]

yep gorgonians and sun corals (and sponges although they aren't corals) don't need any light but u will need to give them food.

 

[carshark]

Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
yep gorgonians and sun corals (and sponges although they aren't corals) don't need any light but u will need to give them food.

yeah i had been looking at gorgonians...i think it will add a little to my tank, i dunno about sponges, not a huge fan of slug looking creatures....i saw a couple on this site, im thinking about goin for a few....anyone have any luck with these?
Also Im not really very familiar with feather dusters....i could get a couple on Low Light couldnt I? Like I said you have any question about a FOWLR I am all over it, you start talking corals and such.. I will need help...

 

[celacanthr]

feather dusters are worms so they don't need any light at all, but the problem is that some things like butterfly fish will eat them.

 

[carshark]

Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
feather dusters are worms so they don't need any light at all, but the problem is that some things like butterfly fish will eat them.
yeah no i know that but I have a regal, foxface, diamond watchman goby, and will be getting an angel In the future, along with getting my cleanup crew back , and getting my shrimps back. I have no intentions of getting any butterfly fish...
Im in Hyposalinity, had to ditch the inverts temporarily...

 

[celacanthr]

i wouldn't get a feather duster if u have a foxface