Will compact fluorescent light cut it?

[Silvr_Back]

Our tank came with two compact fluorescent light a pl-36w white and a pl-36w blue. Was curious if this would cut it to have some coral or should I rip it out and go for t5 or t5ho. Keep in mind we are also keeping fish in this tank and it's a 30 gallon jebo tank. Thanks for any info

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[Loki]

You could keep some corals but I'm not sure they would thrive in the light conditions and you would be very limited to the type of corals you could keep. I say go T5's for sure.


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[solar]

in 2005 i had a 50 gallon tank with all kinds of corals under power compact lighting 2 x 96 watt everything did GREAT!!!
Also i only supplemented iodine and calcium and coral vital, never in 4 years did a water change had hobs and about 200lbs of live rock took out filter pads and used liverock in baskets only thing i added was chemi pure and was the best tank i have ever had!

here is a pic it houses sos lps and softy's with many inverts 2 clams 5 green chromis's a yellow tang and a tomato clown/seabae anem everything thrived... don't listen to the naysyaers kiss method works wonders!

Sorry for blurry pics there really old and scanner sux

 

[Silvr_Back]

Would you guy recommend if I should get the reef test kit if right now I'm just added a touch coral and some Polly or whatever there called. I would really like to have some eye popping coral with beautiful colors but I don't wanna spend the money if my lighting won't be good enought.


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[Loki]

Yeah get test kits. I like salifert (sp?) brand they are a little more money but more accurate and easy to read.

Also if you look at the pictures of the tank above the corals appear to be brown. Stuff can live under the compact fluorescent bulbs but I doubt it will thrive and be colorful.

Here are some of mine under T5's

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[Davesgt]

There is nothing wrong with compact lighting beside there is not versatility with color options so alot if coral will live it just won't look good at all

 

[Silvr_Back]

After seeing Loki post that is what I'm looking for vibrant colors one that catch your eye. So I guess I'll be upgrading my lighting to t5. When would be a good time to start adding coral I have heard mix reviews people say wait 6 months other say you can start withing 2 weeks of having your tank. And is the bright light bad for the fish in the tank. Also what's are some good starter coral amd do the sell some kinda steroids for them so they can grow faster

 

[Loki]

For light and fish - I've not seen one have to much light.

How long before coral - I wouldn't try anything you wouldn't mind losing for the first few months and especially until you have a good understanding on the reefing.

Good starter corals - zoanthids (bright and colorful), mushrooms/ricordia, leathers (blah), frogspawn/torches (nice movement but need some room because of sweeper tentacles).


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[weaponsofmassdesign]

You will definitely be much more happy with T5's. I had pc's on a 10g for about three years. Under those I never noticed much growth. I finally got a T5 fixture and immediately started kicking myself!