Can i ceep sps with pc lighting

[oodle]

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Hi,

I have Current USA PC lighting with the stock bulbs.

The bulbs are ready to be replaced.

So I was thinking of geting 2 new bulbs: 10000 K and 420nm/460nm

I want to get some LPS and SPS corals.

Will my lighting (with new bulbs) be adequate for Anemones, Leather Corals, polyps, Candy Cane Coral, Tree Coral, and Bubble Coral??

I'm not sure about the last three corals.

My aquarium is a 45 gallon, and is 24in. H x 36in. L x 12in. W.

 

[DeathWish302]

Honestly there will be some that say ...'sure, I've been doing it for years' and others' (as myself) that will say you won't have the best success with PC lighting. Can it be done with sps? The really simple answer is yes. I have seen corals grown under standard shop lights in REALLY shallow frag growout systems. These corals were VERY brown, but grew like mad.

Just so you know, I recently bought a 12gal Aquapod. After researching how much it would cost to replace bulbs after 5 years for this clownfish breeding setup, I made the plunge and performed a DIY LED build for under $225. I would truly look into a 175W MH, T5s' or at least some VHO. PC lighting should be left for sumps and turf scrubbers IMO.

 

[nvdiz]

all the corals you listed and the anemone should be fine w/ pc lighting.

i know that montis and birdnests might be alright, but not too sure on acros and such.

 

[oodle]

Total watts 192

I have 2 x 96 watt bulbs

 

[skibum9884]

Honestly, for softies (like the leathers you mention), PC lighting will probably be OK. As for SPS and some LPS, I don't think PC lighting will be sufficient. I think you'll at least need a pretty good T5 fixture.

My advice is to figure out how serious you are about this. If you REALLY want to do it, you'll end up investing in some new lighting sooner rather than later.

 

[Surf&turf]

I have a 55 with 260watts of PC and 108 watts of t-5. I have Millie's, Hydropora, Pollicipora, Acropora, and several caps that are doing great.

I also upgraded my PC bulbs to UVL bulbs with the built in reflector.

Everything is doing great and growing with good color.

justmy2cents.

 

[nickxx4360]

you can keep them yes. Will you see excellent growth compaired to VHO/T5/MH??
No.
Make sure you keep them (SPS)close to the water surfice since it 24inches deep and change the bulbs out on a regular schedule.

Remember it's a combination of light/flow/ water stability/quality that counts.