Question about Lighting

akelly310 · May 9, 2020

How do I know if a lighting system is strong enough to grow corals? What numbers or features should I look for?

I’d like to grow soft corals and maybe some LPS once I get more experience caring for coral.

mike550 · May 9, 2020

akelly310 said:
How do I know if a lighting system is strong enough to grow corals? What numbers or features should I look for?

I’d like to grow soft corals and maybe some LPS once I get more experience caring for coral.

Rent or borrow a PAR meter. I am renting one now and it is super helpful. My lighting was way underpowered. So I’ve really turned them up now knowing what my lighting levels are. It will also help to place corals in the right spots for certain light intensity

X-37B · May 9, 2020

My suggestion, if your new, is to get a 4-6 bulb T5 unit to start.
Nothing to adjust. Just pick your bulbs and set a timer and your done.
No par meter is required unless you want to measure. There is enough info on par levels for T5 bulbs that I have never measured mine in my 120 heavy acro tank lol.