low light corals??

[stingrae]

my local pet store has said that my tank (36x16x31) is too deep for corals, suggesting that max depth for corals is 24". I realize that 24" may be the ideal max, but others have told me that I could keep some low light corals in a tank 31 inches deep. Any thoughts? I plan to use strip lights-which brand/types are better for what I'm trying to acomplish?

 

[laddy]

You plan on using VHO's? :notsure:
With proper lighting you can light any tank.

 

[ocikitty]

You could do corals that need a little more light as long as you place them higher in the tank.

 

[stingrae]

are there any specific ones that you could suggest?

 

[gexkko]

If you are just doing "strip lights" (not very descriptive), then you may have a problem. It can only be assumed that strip lights is a reference to NO (normal output) flourescent lighting, which is insufficient for any of the light-hungry corals, even the lower-light ones.
You need at least PC (power compact) or VHO (very high output flourescent) for the "low-light" corals. Low light is a misleading term. They still require a sufficient source of high energy light, but don't require the use of T5's or metal halides.
If you are talking about VHO or PC lighting, then various leathers/shrooms could survive at the deeper levels of the tank. Higher up you would be able to have a higher variety of soft corals, including zoanthids, xenia, etc.
Any coral experts feel free to correct any errors I may have made.

 

[laddy]

I'm no coral expert, but that sounds about right. I have seen tanks set up with NO bulbs which have mushrooms scattered about on some live rock--they're alive, but a far cry from where they could be with just a $50 compact light over them. If you are just getting into the hobby and can only afford the strip lighting (Normal Output) which comes with most freshwater tanks, then avoid corals at the moment and concentrate on a fish only tank. It will probably save you some frustration.

 

[stingrae]

I had originally planned to go w/ coralife strip lights. After talking w/ people here, I'm leaning towards the T5 tek lights. My only concern was the heat output. I don't want something that might melt the brace on my tank, or that will call for a chiller.

 

[xdave]

Most of them have fans, and legs that keep them about 4" above the tank. I like deeper tanks, you can have more variety. The more light a species needs, the higher up you put it. Start with them a little low and move them higher depending how they're doing.