Softies?

[markw]

Are there any soft corals that will thrive under T5 lighting that also do well under Metal Halides? The reason I ask is because for my tank I was going to do a FOWLR and Inverts and maybe 3-5 soft corals (if possible) at first then if that goes right, add more corals, but I wanted at least a few corals, but not a full reef. Is there any way to achieve this with a T5 fixture?

 

[nycbob]

imo, all softies will do fine under t5. eathers, colts and kenya tree are good candidates.

 

[markw]

Will they eventually do ok under Metal Halides also though?

 

[nycbob]

yes but will need to be acclimated slowly under mh.

 

[markw]

Originally Posted by nycbob
http:///forum/post/2553250
imo, all softies will do fine under t5.
Anyone second this opinion? If so, it would really benefit me on this decision.

 

[alix2.0]

yeah, its fine.

 

[anonome]

They will do well, but be sure to run some carbon periodically if not 24/7 due to their warfare if you were to add any other type of coral. My figi yellow was always large and did well under pc lighting, but when I added halides it has doubled in size within a short period of being under halides. Very beautiful coral, definately my show piece. Consider it.

 

[michaeltx]

yep on all above statments
I would also include that if you are going HO or VHO t-5s you can even go into some of the SPS corals just research which ones first.
Mike

 

[markw]

Thanks alot everyone. Now, Im thining VHO T5s for a while with some softies and maybe 1-3 SPS's, then eventually if everything goes well will upgrade to MH's and go onto a bigger tank and LPS's. Good idea?

 

[michaeltx]

just remember there are t-5 VHO and T-8 VHO so make sure your looking at the right bulbs and fixtures its easy to get them crossed.
Mike

 

[michaeltx]

this is a picture of a 125 with t-5 lighting so you can even use them on a big tank.
Mike

 

[alix2.0]

mike, is that your tank? it looks great!

 

[michaeltx]

no not my tank I wish it was though! LOL
Mike

 

[crome]

Your tank is beautiful

 

[markw]

Im guessing a T8 is stronger than a T5 but not as strong as a MH?

 

[michaeltx]

nope other way around t-5's are stronger and better par value than the t-8's MH is the strongest of them.
Mike

 

[markw]

I figured about the MH's, but thats good to know about the T8's. If I hadnt known, I would have probably picked them up. Thanks alot. T5's here I come!