Macroalgae and Lighting

[Thromgar]

I am considering setting up my mantis tank with macroalgae and soft coral, maybe 1 fish if I can get away with it (we'll see). Just wondering what type of lights are needed for macroalgae to thrive.

I am in California so basically no Caluerpa, but I would like to get a variety of types and colors for the tank. The mantis doesn't need strong lights to thrive, and the coral will not require a lot of light either, but I really have no idea what the algae will need at all.

Thanks for any info.

 

[skerz]

Lighting Related

Lighting Related

I also have a lighting question and rather than a new thread I though I would piggy back this one since it may be helpful for those interested.

I have an 2X39w ATI Powermodule
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...module_T5_High-Output_Fixture_w!_Bulbs_by_ATI

What 2 bulbs would you reccomend?


I am thinking 39W Pro Color T5 HO Fluorescent by ATI
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Bulbs/39W_Pro_Color_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_ATI

and

39W 6500K Daylight T5 HO Fluorescent
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Bulbs/39W_6500K_Daylight_T5_HO_Fluorescent_by_General_Electric

I am not looking for any aestetics...I am trying to obtain a "natural light" look and want it to look "as is" without the blue actinics. Tank is approx 45g 36x13x24 tall. Tide Pool Biotope Macro/vasc dominated w/ few inverts rockfish/blenny.

I am open to any advice or critiques.

Thanks for any info or personal preferences

 

[GS-Rock]

For the both of you I would go with lighting color of 6500k but no higher than 12000k. The wattage should should be matched with how deep your tank is. The more Watts the deeper the light will keep the same color temp all the way to the bottom.

 

[Aquarist007]

does a macro algae and reef grass tank need attinic supplementation?

 

[zeblisik]

it really depends on the algae, some thrive under strong lighting, others are best under more subdued lights.
for much of the hardy varieties most can be acclimatized to most reef lighting.
I don't think macros and grass require actinic supplementation, though zooxanthellae is a dinoflagellate. I have no use for actinic myself, nor intend to; strong MH is all that is needed for hard coral ;-)

are there specific algae that you wish to keep? coraline algaes run the gamut of lighting needs.

 

[Aquarist007]

I like the reef grasses-----particularily the setup about three quaraters of the page down on this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1349443&perpage=25&pagenumber=11