Low Light Corals

[New2Saltwater]

Any recommendations for low light corals that do not require special lighting?

 

[Salt Creep]

NPS? if you are looking for photosynthetic then you can get by with some soft coral like mushrooms and Kenya trees without too powerful of lights... otherwise a non-photosynthetic(NPS) tank with gorgonians, sun coral, and other awesome looking pieces, but you will need to keep them well fed since they don't get energy from light.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

What kind of light do you have now?

 

[New2Saltwater]

NPS? if you are looking for photosynthetic then you can get by with some soft coral like mushrooms and Kenya trees without too powerful of lights... otherwise a non-photosynthetic(NPS) tank with gorgonians, sun coral, and other awesome looking pieces, but you will need to keep them well fed since they don't get energy from light.

Thank you. I would like a few NPS

 

[New2Saltwater]

What kind of light do you have now?

Just a regular "come with the aquarium" light. I am still researching what kind of lighting I want.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

If you can get the color and type that'll help. twin t5 led power compact etc. You may have a better light than you think. Or its cheaper to upgrade than you think.
Also you want to aim for the future with the coral choices as well. The hard truth is you might well lose corals in the first few months of your tank because corals are finicky. so dont spend too much period. Its a learning curve.

This is a link to live aquaria. I like to browse corals there, lots of care info and lighting requirements. Some of the beginner choices are actually harder than they say as they do like some good light.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=597+2856&count=35&s=ts

My .02, look at the kinds of corals you really like and would really like to have. Plan for those now and start with some of those so down the road you can get more and better as you keep up grading your light filters and systems. Window shopping as "research"

What size tank do you have BTW. I can probably make a next light recommendation for you that wont hurt.

 

[New2Saltwater]

65g, Dimensions: Tank: 18.4"L x 36.4"W x 25"H

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I like the dims on that tank. neat.

My favorite Ebay sellers. The bulbs are Odysessa an older inexpensive brand. I dont know the specs on their Leds. So far the Long strips Ive found are under performing.
The Black box need to be hung or carefully mounted in a canopy. no auto ramping. these will set fire to stuff
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-MarsAq...771177?hash=item5658e7c2e9:g:tmMAAOSwFMZWsA6r
a
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MarsAqua-Di...496493?hash=item5b029756ad:g:YmoAAOSw5dNWsBBc

http://stores.ebay.com/topdogseller...Z1QQ_sidZ412695299QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

A 36" t5 w bulbs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-PS-Qua...sea-84-/111872524531?var=&hash=item5fa83e84f6

 

[New2Saltwater]

I like the dims on that tank. neat.

My favorite Ebay sellers. The bulbs are Odysessa an older inexpensive brand. I dont know the specs on their Leds. So far the Long strips Ive found are under performing.
The Black box need to be hung or carefully mounted in a canopy. no auto ramping. these will set fire to stuff
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-MarsAq...771177?hash=item5658e7c2e9:g:tmMAAOSwFMZWsA6r
a
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MarsAqua-Di...496493?hash=item5b029756ad:g:YmoAAOSw5dNWsBBc

http://stores.ebay.com/topdogseller...Z1QQ_sidZ412695299QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

A 36" t5 w bulbs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-PS-Qua...sea-84-/111872524531?var=&hash=item5fa83e84f6

This is very helpful. Thanks

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

yup. I think its a good starting point for the average person getting in to the hobby. Ive bought from topdogsellers a lot.
4 t5's you can grow just about anything. the black boxes are so bright youll need a meter so the fish dont catch fire

 

[New2Saltwater]

Ill need to hang the t5's correct?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I didn't look close at the fixture it may have legs.to set on the tank You can of coarse hang it too.
I stuffed mine in a canopy.

 

[Salt Creep]

A 36" t5 w bulbs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USED-PS-Qua...sea-84-/111872524531?var=&hash=item5fa83e84f6

Those LED lights are OK for some cheap options. You aren't going to get all the extra's as far as controllability, but if that doesn't bother you too much they are OK. DO NOT go with the T5 light. It is a waste of money and you will regret it. My buddy got one and a ballast burnt out within a month... not to mention those 4 bulbs have one reflector, which is HUGELY inefficient. Get a quality fixture if you want to get a good light, otherwise it will just end up costing you more money in the long run.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

This one has a timer. Man I wish this was around when I had my 30g starting out. At this price you dont change tubes, toss the whole thing and get a new rig
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PS-Quad-30-...870977?hash=item43e8a40081:g:yMAAAOSwqYBWn-wc

Its a nickle and dime hobby. Starting out, I only had .02

 

[Duke4Life]

Here's a chart that might help you along the way:
http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/about-corals/what-your-coral-needs/

 

[brownsalt92]

Here's a chart that might help you along the way:
http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/about-corals/what-your-coral-needs/

That is a nice chart

 

[Duke4Life]

That is a nice chart

I haven't found anything close to it.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Here's a chart that might help you along the way:
http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/about-corals/what-your-coral-needs/

thats great. Its a definate Keeper.
Seen a few close from advanced aquarist but def not as complete a list.

I kinda wish they would use zones like plant growing. Then you know what zone your tank is.
Zone 1 800 to 1800 par.
Zone 2 400 to 800 par
etc

THANKS!

 

[New2Saltwater]

Here's a chart that might help you along the way:
http://successfulreefkeeping.com/learn/about-corals/what-your-coral-needs/

great chart!!!