T8 Lights

[dayzofspeed]

sorry for popping up with another question you've probably had a hundred times, i'm sure i have read somewhere that it is possible to use T8's with certain corals is that correct, as I currently have these lights on my f/w tank, which I am hoping to transform at some time into a reef tank, its a rio 240l. If so, any chance of a list of possibles so I can further my research into the fascinating saltwater world....... many thanks, Kevin

 

[ben1987]

It is possible. But only soft corals. Try a mushroom or xenia frag. Dont expect fast growth though

 

[dayzofspeed]

forgot to add that there are 2 38w tubes each with a reflector, i'm not averse to only soft corals as there seem to be some very attractive ones and hopefully once the tank is set up i'm sure that in time i will upgrade the lighting anyway. any other names for me to check out

 

[ben1987]

toadstool
Zoas
Star polyps
Finger leather

Theres loads...some seriously stunning softie only tanks too

 

[kj23502]

keep in mind that a lot of softies are nuisance corals once you move on to harder ones. Xenia can spread around your tank like mad and finger leather drop little bud from time to time to blow around your tank and take root where ever it sees fit. mushrooms can let go of the rock and float to other spots that they may deem more fit. keep this in mind. I have a friend still battling pulsing Xenia. Upgraded a 75g to a 125 and he tried to get xenia filled rocks out and kill others, but he didn't get them all...

 

[dayzofspeed]

could they become nuisance corals with low lighting? it's just others have told me that growth would be limited with the T8's. There is so much to learn with marine.....i'm loving it already and am only at the planning stage

 

[ben1987]

They could in time as they will grow but slowly. you probably will move onto harder corals in time as its like the natural progression. But usually youll end up with another tank more suited to the corals anyway. if you are worried about the xenia, either leave it out or place the rock its on away from others so it doesnt spread onto them

 

[dayzofspeed]

or they could be fragged and sold on yes?

 

[ben1987]

You got it. Some aren't the easiest to frag though as they stick to rocks

 

[ozzie2011]

I add bits of rubble on the main colony, they then grown/move on to those making it a lot easier to move them