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by baltimore on January 30th, 2007

baltimore

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Coral reef lighting . What type of lighting do I need for a coral tank. I would like a lighting system that almost every piece of coral reef would be able to live in safely. So basically I am am asking what are the needs for a coral reef lighting system?

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Answers. 3 helpful answers below.

  • by Sandy - Sand on September 4th, 2009

    Sandy - Sand

    Well I'd go for metal halides,the 10,000 - 20,000 K provide greater intensity that brings out coral pigment. They also give off a lovely ripple effect from any movement of the water surface. They need to be far enough away from the water surface as they run quite hot. You can also combine it with Actinic Fluorescent.,

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  • by Old_Fish_Man on October 16th, 2007

    Old_Fish_Man

    Hello;

    You have some good information from (onzanzabarsands) to help chose your lighting needs. Lighting is not a matter of choice when setting up a coral tank. It is determined by the type of coral you chose and you need to know the requirements (feeding, temp, water quality, etc.) for each animal and plant you add to your tank.

    You can duplicate most of the lighting requirements for most species but you cannot duplicate the requirement for all the species in the same tank. Some corals come from shallow and some from deeper waters.

    Each tank is different and much research on Google or some other search engine is recommended. I would start with what lighting you have and add to it slowly as you learn and aquire specimens. Most species will not die in the short term --- but many will fade or die back if the lighting is not correct.

    Most recommendations are 2-to-6 watts per gallon. Some like part natural (by a window) to high intensity Metal Halide lamps.

    I wish you much luck and success!

    OFM

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  • by onzanzabarsands on January 31st, 2007

    onzanzabarsands

    Depending on how much you want to spend and what gallon of tank set up you want will be how much light you need. These are basic light temps. and sizes of what you would need for a reef tank. Take into consideration that your coral will need quite a bit of sunlight! The duration of light is usually a 12 hour on/ 12 hour off scenario. If you have any more questions feel free to email me. Hope some of this helps, good luck.


    50/50 Fluorescent Lamp

    The Coralife 50/50 lamps are a mixture of 50% 6000 Kelvin natural daylight and 50% Kelvin Actinic 03 blue. These full-spectrum lamps enhance color and clarity while providing the tank's inhabitants with the proper light required for essential biochemical reactions. Ideal for saltwater and reef aquariums. Available in 18", 24", 36" and 48" sizes. Available with an 180 highly polished external reflector or without reflector.

    Actinic Blue 03 Fluorescent Lamp 360

    The Coralife Actinic 03 Blue lamp is 100% blue Actinic that peaks at 420 nanometers. The Magtinic is the same lamp with a 180 highly polished external reflector. These lamps are designed to condition the tank before and after the daylight cycle and enhance the vibrant colors of the fish and invertebrates. Best when used in conjunction with our daylight (Trichromatic) or 50/50 lamps. Available in 18", 24", 36" and 48" sizes.

    Magtinic Blue 03 Fluorescent Lamp w/ Reflector

    The Magtinic is the Coralife Actinic 03 Blue lamp with a 180 highly polished external reflector. It peaks at 420 nanometers. These lamps are designed to condition the tank before and after the daylight cycle and enhance the vibrant colors of the fish and invertebrates. Best when used in conjunction with our daylight (Trichromatic) or 50/50 lamps. Available in 18", 24", 36" and 48" sizes.

    Trichromatic Fluorescent Lamp

    The Coralife 100% Trichromatic Super Daylight lamps are 6500 Kelvin, 94 CRI, full-spectrum lamps. They are made with special rare earth trichromatic phosphors which enhance the natural beauty of the aquarium. Ideal for use with all aquarium applications. Available in 18", 24", 36" and 48" sizes. Available with an 180 highly polished external reflector or without reflector.

    10,000K Fluorescent Lamp

    The Coralife 10,000K High-Intensity Purified Super Daylight with Rare Earth Color Enhancing Phosphors lamp simulates the midday tropical sun. Its sparkling blue-white daylight rays and bright, high-intensity output allow for fish, coral and macroalgae to thrive in its glow. Ideal for use with all aquarium applications. Available in 18", 24", 36" and 48" sizes. Available with an 180 highly polished external reflector or without reflector.

    20,000K Fluorescent Lamp

    The Coralife 20,000 Kelvin fluorescent lamp is a high-intensity purified super daylight lamp that simulates the deeper ocean environment. Casting sparkling blue daylight rays, fish, coral, and, macroalgae thrive in the light. This is the ultimate fluorescent lamp for deep water aquariums. The Coralife 20,000 Kelvin rapid-start lamp is compatible with all standard and electronic ballasts. The lamp is available in 18"-15 watt, 24"-20 watt, 36"-30 watt and 48"-40 watt.

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