Different color SPS need different light intensity

[greengeco82]

Sorry for the title, but i figured it may get some attention. I suspect different color SPS corals need different light intensity. Being a novice in successfull SPS keeping, I wonder what level (height inside of tank) I should keep my SPS, based on color. Now I know this general rule may not be 100%. But, does anyone have suggestions? Basically, do red corals like to be closer to the lights than purple corals? How about blue, or green? Anyone?

 

[Dapg8gt]

I really don't think it matters what color the coral is. It's more about the type of sps it is. Some can take high light some med etc.. Plus there are multiple species with the same color but Different requirements so based on color is not a good way to judge placement .

I Start low and move it up to the light/flow it likes best. Or research the specific coral and where others place it to get a ballpark. If you have access to a par meter you will know where in your tank should be optimal for sps.

 

[kjamaya]

I think you can achieve different shades but same color.
Example, ny pink pocci under t5s with blues, whites, red, and purple was a nice briggt pink. But now with halides n t5s it's become a deeper shade of pink.

 

[Oldude]

In my experience it can be a crap shoot --- also greatly depends on cultured vs wild, what water conditions they came from and especially what depth the corals were collected at. For example you can have two of the same species of wild colonies that came from the same supplier but one was growing at 15 feet and the other was at 40 feet. The one collected at the greater depth will generally take longer to acclimate to strong lighting in an aquarium.
Unless you know the lighting circumstances it was under before you got it, the previous suggestion to start low in the tank and gradually move up is what I would also recommend.

 

[Big E]

Intensity along spectrum are both important in reference to color.

These two articles will help you get a grasp on it--

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/12/corals#disqus_thread

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/10/aafeature

 

[saltyair]

Also minerals in the water attribute more to colours than spectrum and intensity