Getting ready for corals but??

Have been reading a lot on LiveAquaria and it seems the LPS don't need as much as the SPS corals is this true? I have the 29g biocube with the 10000k daylight CFL(36 watts) and the actinic 36 watts along with the moonlight(dont know the wattage on it).

What kind of corals should I be able to get??

Also I have been reading a lot on watts per gallon rule of thumb and it seems to me to be a good guide but not a matter of fact, so what is the real story to all this, so many opinions but I figure this is the best place for true answers.

Thanks for any help

 

You may be able to keep some LPS with that light, if you get better bulbs. Get an ATI Actinic+ and ATI Aquablue special for more par. Your best bet would be zoanthids and mushrooms, basically softies...

Also, you want to be more concerned with PAR. Watts per gallon is not as definitive as modern, efficient lighting produces more light per Watt used.

 

Yes, SPS require a lot more light than most LPS. A general rule of thumb for lighting is 2-3 watts per gallon for softies, 3-4 WPG for LPS and some SPS, If your doing mostly SPS I would shoot for 4-5 WPG. You can keep SPS with HO T5 lighting but usually should be placed higher in the aquarium.

With your 29 biocube stock lighting you will be ok to keep most of the LPS you would find at your LFS or online. You will most likely need to place them in the upper 1/3 of your tank. Softies will be ok anywhere in your tank. Hope this helps. Good luck and Happy Reefing.

 

You will be able to keep softies and LPS. Probably be able to keep SPS on top of the rocks.

Gabba he has power compact lighting.

Buy the UVL power compacts as replacements. They have internal reflectors and should direct more light into the tank.

 

I believe he/she is limited to Power Compacts.

 

Oops, I was reading that as T5's, but I suppose CFL does stand for "Compact Fluorescent" thanks for correcting me...

In that case, scratch what I said about the bulbs... I think you'd have a difficult time keeping SPS with that kind of light. Most SPS would not color up as nice under lower light intensities. If you do keep SPS, keep something like deeper water monti's... LPS on top half and softies throughout will be fine, though.

 

I'm pretty sure he has compact flourescents. Can you get ATI bulbs for CF? I thought they were only T5 bulbs.

I kept a few LPS in my old 24 JBJ nano. Just be sure to place them high in the tank and you will be ok. You won't get the best coloration or very fast growth but you can have some LPS. I would do more softies and zos' like gaagabbawill said.

 

Yes I am limited to the Power Compacts and am not changing them out(no money to upgrade the lighting). Where can I buy the UVL power compacts.

 

I'm not sure if they have the UVL CF's but this is where I buy all my bulbs from.

ReefGeek > Lighting > Power Compact Fluorescent > Bulbs

 

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated