Want to get my firs soft coral, do I have enough light?

Discussion in 'Soft Corals' started by Inertiatic, Nov 17, 2011.

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  1. Inertiatic

    Inertiatic Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Location:
    Carlsbad, CA
    I love the look of soft corals and want to get my first one. I'm just curious if any can survive with 2 x 24 w HO T5 bulbs, one 10k and one actinic.

    Upgrading light is not really an option for me right now.

    If I can house some softies, and recommendations on a good beginner coral?

    Oh yea, forgot to mention I have a 26 gallon tall bow
     
    Inertiatic, Nov 17, 2011
    Inertiatic, Nov 17, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    That is plenty and will allow you to buy LPS and some lower light needing SPS.

    Mushroom corals, leather corals, zooanthids and glove polyps will be good starter corals.
     
    2in10, Nov 17, 2011
    2in10, Nov 17, 2011
    #2
  3. scadsobees

    scadsobees Fire Shrimp

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    +1 on the prev recommendations

    I also like pulsing xenia, green star polyps ...they can be somewhat invasive, but that is why they are fun for beginners like me - they spread fast! :)
     
    scadsobees, Nov 17, 2011
    scadsobees, Nov 17, 2011
    #3
  4. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Candy cane, Favia, hammer just to name a few more. You have some good choices out there :) good luck and have fun shopping :)
     
    NanaReefer, Nov 17, 2011
    NanaReefer, Nov 17, 2011
    #4
  5. dee99gt

    dee99gt Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    Chillicothe, OH
    waving hand anthelia is great.. It was my first coral and granted it spreading like crazy after 3 months, its really pretty in the flow..
     
    dee99gt, Nov 17, 2011
    dee99gt, Nov 17, 2011
    #5
  6. Inertiatic

    Inertiatic Bubble Tip Anemone

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    Nov 2, 2011
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    679
    Location:
    Carlsbad, CA
    Thanks for all of the suggestions! I went to a LFS around here and bought a small frag of xenia =]
     
    Inertiatic, Nov 18, 2011
    Inertiatic, Nov 18, 2011
    #6