Minimal lighting for 'easy' reef tank?

[ajax]

Hello,
 
I have a fish only tank right now (55 gal), but am thinking of converting it at some point into a reef tank. The light I have right now is a T5 Coralife Aqualight dual fixture (1 10,000K and 1 'blue' light). How much more lighting would I need in order to maintain add a few hardy live corals? Is there anything that would survive with this basic amount of light? If so, any specific recommendations?
 
Thanks!

 

[meowzer]

You can have a lot of stuff with T5's, but you need a unit with more bulbs and great reflectors

 

[gemmy]

You can try non-photosynthetic (no light needed) corals like chili, sun, carnation. The thing with these corals is that have specific flow needs. Look up the corals you like and then we can help you more with the lighting.

 

[ajax]

Thanks for the comments; this is helpful. I did not even know there were non-photosynthetic corals. Definitely something I will look into.
 
Now if I were to get a unit with more bulbs/reflectors, would buying 1 more dual fixture hood holding 2 T5 10K bulbs (instead of 1 10K and 1 blue) be enough for a decent range of corals, or would I have to go an entirely different route ? I know I'm not being specific here on which corals, but I guess if you could picture looking at a bell shaped curve that represents corals and lighting with no light on the left and 'tons of light' on the right, would this be enough to cover a fairly sizeable portion of the selection?
 
Thnx!

 

[meowzer]

I think you would need a minimum of 6 bulbs...with GOOD bulbs.....There are a few good lighting people here...I am not one..haha
 
I have a 4bulb one on my 29G

 

[novahobbies]

I understand where you're coming from with the question, but the logic is a little backwards. You're looking for the minimal amount of light for "easy" corals. Well, corals become "easier" to keep under proper lighting, and you will be less frustrated in the long run.
 
For a 55g tank I'd say the minimum fixture you should be looking at is a 4-bulb T-5 fixture with individual reflectors, totaling 216 watts. If you look at the prices of most good 4-bulb fixtures you'll notice that it's not THAT huge a jump to go to the 6-bulb fixtures. Under a 6 bulb 324 watt fixture you would be able to keep pretty much any coral you wanted, plus you would be ready for the inevitable decision to upgrade....I'm pretty sure you can use a 6 bulb fixture for a 75 or 90g tank with no problems as well.