How long can a reef tank go without light

[edolan]

I am having an issue with a light I purchased last year. It is still under warranty and I am sending it in to be fixed but it will take 5 days to get there plus repair time and return shipment. I think it could easily take 2 weeks before I get it back.

Unfortunately I don't have any back up. I have a mixed reef with some zoanthids, lps and a few sps.

Can coral last that long without lights?

 

[mcgyvr]

Go buy a cheap fluorescent shop light from the Home depot or whatever..

Corals for the most part will not be happy after 2 weeks..
They will likely survive it though..
People go a few days all the time.. Not sure about a few weeks but I'd bet they would be ok..

 

[garygonzales]

maybe try a local club in your area..someone there could hook you up......

 

[Uncle99]

Go buy a cheap fluorescent shop light from the Home depot.

What happens if they are later? The above makes great sense IMO.

 

[bosshog]

I had the same problem. I ended up using those clip on halogen work lights for a few hours a day. The tank looked horrible under those lights but everything survived the ordeal just fine. Good luck!

 

[bosshog]

I should add that the tank was mostly LPS and softies, the only sps was some encrusting monti.

 

[Sk8r]

It'll survive.

 

[edolan]

Thx everyone. I sent the light off today. I will keep an eye on the tank and hope for the best.

 

[Sk8r]

I've had bubble coral and others survive icy water, no light, and cycle. They're pretty tough.

 

[ReefsandGeeks]

I've had a few live rocks with hundreds of zoas on them sitting in my basment in a rubbermaid container with nothing but a flourecent bulb on 24/7, a heater, and a powerhead for just over a month now. Looks terrible with the light, but all are still alive. They don't love the set up and don't open nearly as much as in my tank, but are surviving fine.

I'd imagine your coral will survive, but to increase their chances of surviving without any damage, you may be best off adding whatever sort of light you can come up with. Even a lamp put up against the tank will help. If nothing else would give a little peace of mind in the meantime.