Will Zoas be OK in this set-up?

[Malenurse]

I posted something similar in the nano forum, but I thought you zoa specialists might better be able to answer my question. I want to start a 5 gal. nano housing mostly zoanthids. Here's a manufacturer's photo of the set up I ordered:

You can read the specs and details at showeryourpets.com (click on "aquariums" and then click on "5-10 gallons").

I'm concerned about how zoas will do with the lighting. It's a total of 28 watts T5NO (two 10,000K and two actinic tubes). I was just re-reading Eric Borneman's "Corals..." book. He mentions that zoas require bright lighting since they are especially dependent on their zooxanthellae.

Do you think I'll be OK with this lighting considering that the tank is only 10" high?

 

[FOSELONE]

they should be okay...

 

[650-IS350]

Its adequate... who makes that ?

 

[Malenurse]

It's made by CAD Lighting. You can find it at www.showeryourpets.com or www.fishtanksdirect.com

 

[Lord Sevein]

Malenurse,

First off let me say that "zoas" are very adaptable. If you look around reef central for awhile you will find that people are able almost anything under almost any type of lighting . . . Not to open up a can of worms here but I have seen healthy zoas/palys under normal output fluorescents and I have seen healthy zoas/palys under metal halide lighting. Both work. I have also seen the opposite. IMO and experience, the zoa/paly tanks that look the best have been T5 tanks. I believe this is because T5 lighting is very versatile -- capable of fairly low and very high light situations depending on the setup.

That being said, every "zoa" is different. Some are going to LOVE metal halide lighting. Others will brown out or even bleach under that kind of light. On the other hand, get a zoa under insufficient lighting and they can loose color and even be stunted. My suggestion to you is to figure out which "zoas" you really really want. Then see if the lighting on that tank is comparable to that of your favorite pictures of the coral. (IME most reefers are more than willing to brag about their lighting if you just ask. ) If it's the same or fairly close to it then go ahead and get the tank. After that I wouldn't worry about your lights anymore. You will know that your lighting will support the ones you "gotta have". The rest you decide to get will be able to adapt.

Hope this makes sense.

-Sevein
:strooper: