Lighting for softies

jglas26 · 06-01-2008, 01:04 PM

(as some may know )I want to start adding soft corals soon.
I definitely agree with the lighting frustrations of "too little, too much, etc."

My tank is 36" long 16"deep.

I'm thinking of using a Current model with 1x96 watt 50/50 14k, 460 actinic, PC bulb. Would this be efficient for softies?

After sitting them on the Live Rock, I could keep the corals within 6-12 inches of the lighting?

Some have suggested a "2x96" system but I've read somewhere on this site once or twice that 200 watts or so is good for a 55g system ( which is considerably larger/deeper. So wouldn't 100 watts be good for the 35g?!

I know watts/pg isn't the best rule of thumb, I'm just making a point.

Nereaga · 06-01-2008, 02:22 PM

I would like to think that you would be fine with the single 96w bulb. Softies don't really demand high output for lights. Although 2-96w would be better. They would grow faster under 2 96w bulbs.

Just my thoughts,

Brad

jglas26 · 06-01-2008, 05:54 PM

Cool. I'm not too concerned about them growing too big since space will be limited anyway. are there any "stocking rules" you would consider ( bioload ) when it comes to softies? ( x/per gallon, etc. )

Thanks Noreaga, You've always done me right with much useful info!

chadf · 06-01-2008, 06:15 PM

No stocking rules, you just have to give them space...how much depends on the aggressive nature of the particular coral. They will compete for space.

jglas26 · 06-01-2008, 07:11 PM

No concern for overstocking as far as the "bioload"?

Same goes for you Chadf....very helpful, thanks!

chadf · 06-01-2008, 07:27 PM

My pleasure, corals have a negligible effect on bioload. There are few exceptions such as the sun coral which needs fed at least a cube of food daily or a flower pot which also needs daily feedings.

bandr1002 · 06-19-2008, 07:56 PM

going back to the lighting ???, my best friend had a 55 gal set up with softies, he is running two at 64 watts and doing fine, me personally , i would do more but softies are very forgiving when it comes to lights.

las4444 · 06-20-2008, 08:51 AM

A good coral book will describe specific lighting needs for softies and hard. On line sites tend to Carbon Copy too much if you ask me. I have a great book that tells you where in the tank they like to be etc. an very specific to species.

Then light becomes a little less of a worry.