What needs the most light?

[k2parkstar]

We all know that most SPS requires more light than the other coral types, but what I want to know is..Which of your corals requires the most intense light for the best growth and coloration? I'm just now adding a few SPS frags to my LPS and and zoa tank. I have 4 T5 bulbs and two pieces of SPS: Blue Tort, and Green Slimer. The green slimer is happy as can be. Both frags are literally less than 6 inches away from my bulbs as I have them right at the top of the tank and my lights sitting directly on the tank, I do have a glass top though. I'm looking for advice on what sps needs the most light so I know what to stay away from. I really like my T5's and i'm not interested in switching them out at this time. I do want some SPS so that the top of my tank doesnt look empty. So lets hear what takes the absolute most light. I also wouldn't mind some suggestions for SPS that do well under T5's. I prefer Mille's, Acro's and some montipora. I'm not into stylo, or pocillipora or monti caps.

 

[NanoNathan]

my green slimer does well under 4 bulb t5 kept nere the top of the frag tank

 

[k2parkstar]

Bump for the night SPS junkies

 

[Dave3112]

What size is your tank? I run all T5 on my tank now and they are plenty of light but I do have a 12 bulb system. Also why do you have the glass tops on the tank?

 

[k2parkstar]

It's a 24x24x18. 4 bulb T5. I've got this glass top because I had a blue spot jawfish. I've kept it on because I've got a leopard wrasse, and 2 firefish. You think that makes a big difference in the lighting?

 

[Dave3112]

Oh, I understand. I don't think it makes a big deal with light as long as you keep it clean but gas exchange is what I would worry about. If it were me. But I know people that have had them on forever and not had problems . I think with that size aquarium and lighting you should be able to keep any SPS you want. At least in the top half of the tank. You could keep montis in the lower half if you wanted. Like digis.

 

[k2parkstar]

Oh, I understand. I don't think it makes a big deal with light as long as you keep it clean but gas exchange is what I would worry about. If it were me. But I know people that have had them on forever and not had problems . I think with that size aquarium and lighting you should be able to keep any SPS you want. At least in the top half of the tank. You could keep montis in the lower half if you wanted. Like digis.

I've got a 20g sump as well and an SWC160 skimmer. So my water is sufficiently oxygenated. Up top I've an mp10 so the water is being turned over pretty well. Additionally the glass top isn't airtight so I should be ok. I've had some SPS in the past, that didn't fare well for me, and I'm not big into SPS I just want a "complete" reef look. And the upper portion of my tank to not be bare. Thanks for the input.

 

[Frick]

Usually Acropora species will want the most light if they are found near the surface of the ocean. And those are typically thicker branched Acros.

So like; Millepora, digitifera, humulis, monticulosa.

 

[Dave3112]

Oh. I didn't realize you had the sump. The glass should be just fine then. If you haven't had success with SPS before it could have been a number of things but I don't think it is your light. That is plenty for any SPS in my experience.

 

[k2parkstar]

I don't think my light fixture is all that great though. I've got a Deep Blue 4 bulb unit with individual reflectors. I'd like to try a TEK fixture or an ATI but i'm not sure if I can afford the ATI, it would take to much of my coral buying budget...:roll:

 

[Dowtish]

I don't think my light fixture is all that great though. I've got a Deep Blue 4 bulb unit with individual reflectors. I'd like to try a TEK fixture or an ATI but i'm not sure if I can afford the ATI, it would take to much of my coral buying budget...:roll:

And there is the dilemma that plagues us all...that dont make a lot of money. I have finally decided to buy the right equipment and chill on the coral purchases. But that's only because my tank is full now.:bigsmile:

I grew easy SPS(birdsnest,montis,pocillapora) just fine with a 4 bulb fixture for over a year in a tank that is 27" tall. I switched to a 6 bulb recently, because I wanted the acros(not easy SPS) to color up and grow as well, and not be limited to the top 8 inches of the tank. Your green slimer will grow at the midway point just as good as if they were at the top. And the tort probably needs to stay high with your current lighting. If you dont plan on adding too much more SPS, then I think what you have will be fine.

Here are the real questions: what bulbs are you running, and have you ever used a PAR meter on your tank? I bet you would be surprised what the glass does to your PAR levels.

 

[Chameleon]

Yeah I think that will be plenty of light for any sps...especially while its a frag. make sure nutrients are low

 

[k2parkstar]

Hey Chris! My coral addiction is raging am i'm jonesing for more chalices!! I've got giesemann bulbs 2 aqua blue+(white), 1 actinic+(blue), and 1 true actinic(purple) I'm gonna try ATI bulbs soon and switch up the bulbs 1 aqua blue special, 2 blue plus, and a kz fiji purple. I haven't used a PAR meter, I don't think anyone here has one that I know of. Hopefully our club will buy one soon, becaues i'd love to know what my readings are. The slimer and the tort are at the same height in the tank and in direct flow of my mp10. I always wondered if it hindered some light. Gotta have some kind of top though.

 

[FaviaFreak]

I've got a 20g sump as well and an SWC160 skimmer. So my water is sufficiently oxygenated. Up top I've an mp10 so the water is being turned over pretty well. Additionally the glass top isn't airtight so I should be ok. I've had some SPS in the past, that didn't fare well for me, and I'm not big into SPS I just want a "complete" reef look. And the upper portion of my tank to not be bare. Thanks for the input.

+1 thick branched are from shallower high water energy parts of the reef