[Franklin]

I have double 96w power compacts over my 45 gallon tank. Is this safe for the stony corals or do I need more wattage?
Thanks

[Sueet]

Originally Posted by Franklin

I have double 96w power compacts over my 45 gallon tank. Is this safe for the stony corals or do I need more wattage?
Thanks

You need more... metal halide would be best, but at the very least T-5's or VHO's. There are some stonies that don't need light (like the sun coral) but they need to be fed several times a week because they aren't photosynthetic (hence they are not considered 'easy' to care for...)

What you have would work for most soft corals tho.

[Franklin]

Originally Posted by Sueet

You need more... metal halide would be best, but at the very least T-5's or VHO's. There are some stonies that don't need light (like the sun coral) but they need to be fed several times a week because they aren't photosynthetic (hence they are not considered 'easy' to care for...)

What you have would work for most soft corals tho.

what wattage would I need to keep stonies? I dont suppose adding a third 96W bulb would make enough of a difference?

[Reefland]

If you add a third bulb you might be able to get away with a Montipora digitata or brown Montipora Capricornas but that would be it. For any of the Acropora sp. you would need Metal Halide, the addition of PC's will not suffice. When you look at lighting, you should look at PAR and raw intensity, not wattage.

[Franklin]

Originally Posted by Reefland

If you add a third bulb you might be able to get away with a Montipora digitata or brown Montipora Capricornas but that would be it. For any of the Acropora sp. you would need Metal Halide, the addition of PC's will not suffice. When you look at lighting, you should look at PAR and raw intensity, not wattage.

I assume that goes for LPS as well- I guess a brain coral would be out of the question?

[Reefland]

Nope, your current lighting will be just fine for LPS corals; Brains, Torch, etc., as well as photosynthetic soft corals. When you get into SPS corals is when you illuminate with metal halides.

[Franklin]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Nope, your current lighting will be just fine for LPS corals; Brains, Torch, etc., as well as photosynthetic soft corals. When you get into SPS corals is when you illuminate with metal halides.

Thats a big relief! I thought I got duped into buying another expensive yet worthless peice (wet/dry filter). Thanks Alot!

[Reefland]

Well your right there, the Wet/Dry filter will not do well under PC lighting.

[ick sucks]

check out the web page www.garf.org they do some crazy stuff with only 40 watt florecents. they have very beatifull aquariums check it out!

[Reefland]

That is definitely the exception...