| Having the proper lighting for reef aquariums has | | | | coral like mushroom polyps actually thrive in lower |
| been a debate that is as old as the hobby itself. | | | | light and some of the brighter systems may cause |
| Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the | | | | them to not fully open. |
| best lighting is. Often times they are basing this | | | | Large Polyped Corals- LPS corals are common in the |
| opinion on their own set up. | | | | hobby and also have a wide range of lighting |
| Probably the most important factor when picking | | | | requirements, as a rule of thumb many can do just |
| your reef tank lighting is to have your mind made up | | | | fine under power compacts,T-5 lighting and 175 watt |
| as to what kind of corals you want to keep in your | | | | metal halide bulbs. If you are interested in this type |
| reef aquarium. This is a step that many new | | | | of coral research the lighting requirements for the |
| saltwater enthusiasts miss. Instead many set up their | | | | type you like and choose your lighting from there. |
| mini reef systems based off the opinion of others or | | | | SPS and Clams- Small polyped stony corals and clams |
| what they think they may need and then only later | | | | are gaining more popularity as the hobby improves. |
| discover that the reef tank lighting they bought will | | | | Once thought impossible to keep alive many people |
| not support the types of corals they like. Or worse | | | | are now growing these and selling or trading them. |
| yet be to powerful for the coral they like. This will | | | | This type of coral will demand the most intense |
| end up costing the person more money to get their | | | | lighting you can afford. Many will do well under 250 |
| set up right. | | | | watt metal halides but some may actually require 400 |
| Types Of Reef Tank Lighting For Different Corals | | | | watt bulbs in order to keep their color and grow well. |
| Soft Corals- Many soft corals will do well under | | | | When choosing proper proper lighting for reef |
| power compact lighting, T-5 lighting and 175 watt | | | | aquariums keep in mind that each lighting system also |
| metal halide bulbs. There are however some species | | | | has its own positives and negatives that may also |
| of leathers that need bright lighting so keep that in | | | | affect your final coral decision. |
| mind if you want a tank full of soft corals. Some soft | | | | |