newbie with lighting question

[dolphinsfan]

Just bought a coralife 1 x 65w light for my 26gal bow tank w/ 30lbs of LR. Tank has been up and running for about 3 months. Livestock includes 1 occelaris clown, 1 royal grama, 1 yellowtail blue damsel, 1 cleaner shrimp and a few snails and hermit crabs. Is this enough lighting to promote coralline growth on my LR? What if a wanted to add a few soft corals eventually? If so, what would you recommend?

 

[JohnNLuc]

Your looking at about 2.5w per gallon IMO I would add another 65W but with your current setup I would say some mushrooms and polyps as far as the coraline goes yes you will get some coraline as long as your calcium is in check as well. HTH

 

[loganj]

I agree. A colt coral would probably do OK in there. I'd stick with the shrooms and zooanthids until I could add some more light though. If you do try some soft corals, be sure to place them up high in the tank.

 

[dolphinsfan]

Thanks for the response. Do you suggest I add some type of supplement in regards to calcium levels?

 

[captivereefs]

I actually had a 1-65 watt aqualight over a 26 bow front. The coral growth was very slow to none. They really only survived and did not thrive and grow. If you can upgrade to a dual 65 watt hood and the results will be much better!

 

[dolphinsfan]

I wish i would have known sooner. Also, funds were limited. My goal is to sustain and perhaps promote some coraline growth and eventually keep a few mushrooms at most. My lfs said it would be definately possible with the 1 x 65w. If it doesn't happen, I guess I'm outta gas since my wife said she would shoot me if I bought one more piece of hardware for my tank.

 

[JohnNLuc]

For coraline growth your lights should be enough as long as your CA and ALK are are reasonably balanced. Since your tank is not very large I would recommend getting yourself a test kit for both ca and alk and picking up a two part supplement such as ESV's B-ionic.