advice on lighting

[Jej34]

Fowlr for now, using Marineland 48" advanced led fixture. Can't really get good coraline, only green circle patches on front of glass. Some green on the live rock but nothing great. May switch to reef and don't want to buy wrong again

What would be good for fowlr and reef?

Thanks

 

[Cory]

I love my kessil led. Get a kessil 160w.

Corraline growth is more about po4 than intense light.

 

[Jej34]

You mean calcium instead of phosphates??

 

[Cory]

No phosphates. Calcium rarely becomes limiting. But as little as .03ppm po4 can stop corraline growth.

Strokg flow also helps to grow it

 

[Jej34]

Got it,thanks

 

[jackson6745]

I would go with a 6 or 8 bulbs ATI T5 fixture, depending on the size of your reef. I disagree with po4 of .03 stopping coraline growth. I've had, and seen some of the best coraline growth much higher. Proper calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity play a huge part, and lighting obviously.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

As to lighting for coralline, it means lighting levels appropriate for the species you have present.

Coralline often grows best in many tanks in places where the light is not brightest.

In any case, I wouldn't be inclined to buy lights specific for coralline if you may add corals and such in the future.

I'm not sure if you meant this thread to be in the Chemistry forum, but in terms of chemistry optimal for coralline, I think that normal to high alk and calcium, high magnesium, low phosphate and low organics contribute.