Soft Coral Lighting

[Bryceguam]

What type of lighting do I need for soft corals? are fluorescent lights ok? I've had a FOWLR tank for a while now and a I want to get started with corals. I know lighting is the most debated topic in reefing, so I just wanted to see what your opinion is. my tank is a 55 gallon, 21 inches deep.

 

[melosu58]

Regular flourecent lighting will not cut it. You`ll need VHO flourecents. That`s what I have for my tank for LPS and soft corals.

 

[mr_X]

i would go with a 4 lamp T5HO fixture.

 

[needmorecowbell]

There is a light on fishneedit that can connect to a halide.. But it's a 2 bulb. Should I get that right now and later upgrade it or should I buy the 4 bulb an not get halides ever? Sorry to ask on this thread but it might help you in your decision too

 

[joy13]

It is all in what you want to do with your tank later on . I would start with a 4 bulb set up and then if I decide to go with metal halides get one with fans so that it will help keep the tank cooler. With a 4 bulb fixture you can do LPS as well as softies.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Okay I will just save up for the 4 bulb then thanks! Im not wanting to keep acropora or anything atm, just not interesting enough to me. Acans and candycanes are what I really want

 

[joy13]

You will be able to do that easily with the 4 bulb fishneedit light.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Okay thanks! Guess I'll be buying the 4 bulb! What temp should the white be? I want 2 actinics and 2 whites

 

[joy13]

Either a 10 or 14K the 14 is more blue.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Okay great thanks