corals

[jcolley]

Can anyone tell me how much light soft corals need?

Thanks

[Gillybaby]

T5s will be fine for pretty much all soft corals. T8s would be ok for low light loving corals like Discosoma Sp mushies and Gorgonians.

Although all my softies grew much better after I swapped my two 55w T5s for two 250w metal halides.

HTH

[Kev]

Softies in my system have grown superbly under 150watt m halide.

Kev

[fishz]

I think it's all down to the individual coral. I have mushrooms that won't expand if they're out in the open but are happy and fully expanded under a ledge. Some of my other mushrooms thrive at the top of the tank under 150 watts of T5s.

Having said that, I haven't found a soft coral that can't be accomodated under (enough) T5 lighting - by that I mean growing and maintaining colours or fluoresence.

[Reefer]

I have only ever had T5's and the softies do fine, have a look at my pics (reefers nano on pictures) and see. Let me know what you think.

[mark d]

A lot depends on the depth of your tank.

Regarding T5 & T8 tubes, AFAIK, watt for watt they offer the same output. It's just that with T5s you can cram more in and provide a greater overall output.

I would say for a depth of 18"-24" 150W will be sufficient for most softies. Mushies, Polyps and Gorgonians will be fine with less.

Oh, make sure you have some appropriate and shiny reflectors to get the best out of your tubes (if that's the way you are going).

Mark

[Pinkfish]

I use T5's and plan to upgrade soon to halide. When I can afford it.

If you can afford Halides go for them now. Depending on the Lenght of your tank will determine how many you need, and the Depth of your tank will determine what Watts you neet e.g. 150W , 250W or even a 400W

.... I have had no problems with Softies and T5s.

Mike