Enough light to get started?

[FishTri]

It wasn't really designed for aquarium use, but I've got a 4-Lamp T5HO fixture that I'd like to use over a new All-Glass 215 Gallon (6'x2'x30").

The lamps are 4100k. I can probably get 5000 or 6500k lamps if it will make a difference.

I know this isn't ideal, but is it enough to get me started?
What types of reef life will thrive under this type of lighting?

 

[FishTri]

Bump. Anybody?

 

[BurntOutReefer]

pretty much just fish and algae........

 

[horkn]

what length/ wattage are the bulbs?

proper spectrum bulbs are really not that much $$

if they are 4 footers, with proper bulbs you could actually have something to work with.

 

[FishTri]

The lamps are nominally 4' (T5HO 54Watt). What is considered "proper spectrum" for basic corals?

 

[nick18tjetta]

6500 at minimum. A mix of 10k and actinic bulbs would be good.

 

[Justin James]

Your tank is kinda deep and I would recommend 400 watt Metal Halides but if your just looking to get your feet wet with a few softies then put some 6,500 - 10,000K bulbs in there mixed with a couple actinics (blue bulbs) and your on your way.

 

[FishTri]

Hate to burn all of that energy running MH until the tank has enough corals to make it worth while. Figured I'd get started with a few fish and some easy-to-keep corals and build from there.

So in the 4-lamp fixture maybe I'll try

(1) 6500k
(1) 10,000k
(2) Actinics

??