Do I have enough lighting?

[Shark_hunter]

Hello everyone, I have a question regarding lighting.
I 'm starting a 15gal reef only tank, my plan is to do some live rock, soft corals along with a few other corals. My tank dem is. 24(L) 12(W) 12(H) 15 gal.

I just bought a Zoo Meds AquaSun T5 HO 24" lighting strip
This holds tw 24watt bulbs (1) Attinic 420 light and (1) 10,000k light.
Is this enough lighting for my setup?

Reason why I'm asking is two different people told me different things. So I am now asking you, the real experts!! Your advice would be greatly appreciated thanks!

 

[Orcrone]

I think you'll be good. The rule of thumb is 3 - 5 watts per gallon, so you're on the low end of that range. But your tank is only 12" deep so I think you'll be fine. Aside from which soft corals won't need as much light as some of the more demanding corals.

 

[snorvich]

I think you'll be good. The rule of thumb is 3 - 5 watts per gallon, so you're on the low end of that range. But your tank is only 12" deep so I think you'll be fine. Aside from which soft corals won't need as much light as some of the more demanding corals.

There is no rule of thumb about watts per gallon. However, I think your lighting will be sufficient for what you want to do.

 

[nanojg]

I think you'll be good. The rule of thumb is 3 - 5 watts per gallon, so you're on the low end of that range. But your tank is only 12" deep so I think you'll be fine. Aside from which soft corals won't need as much light as some of the more demanding corals.

I guess I am way low then, I run 1.5 watts/gallon on my 24" deep tank...I have sps growing nicely btw.

Most leathers (soft corals) actually require more light than a lot of sps.

OP that is plenty of light for most corals in that tank, just put the more light demanding corals below a bulb. It will be even better if you switch the bulbs to some nice quality ATI bulbs.

 

[zenpytho]

think u should be fine as long as u watch where u place certain corals u could even have higher light corals directly under light off sand bed and still get good growth u just wont have flexibility in color and placemtn as u would with a 4 bulb

 

[pnavarro170]

that will be fine. dont worry about it. Wouldnt try many high end high light things. but its fine.

 

[Orcrone]

never mind