I have had my 125gal FO saltwater tank up for 2 yrs now and would like to start getting into the basic corals. Nothing exotic or hard to care for. I have 2 12k bright white bulbs, and 2 blue atinics (all compact florestcent). What are some good beginer corals/anemonies that you'd suggest with this lighting setup? I only have 1 Foxface, 1 clown, and 1 small wrasse at this point but would like to maybe get some Angels/Butterflys in the future so something they won't eat would be a perk.
Beginner Coral Suggestions Needed
- Thread starter jmadden93
- Start date
little_fish
Moderator
Well, those lights arent enough for any corals, sorry. Plus i think the angels and butterflies are going to eat all the coral types. Sorry.
SeaBee
Ha Ha Thats Funny!
Leathers, mushrooms, some zoanthids, star polyps, pulsating xenia. Sorties at first.
little_fish
Moderator
But you will need to upgrade your lights to keep any of the above corals.
BL1
.............
Pyramid butterflies are reef safe and do well in groups. Most angels are 50/50 when it comes to picking at coral but, usually the easier soft corals are the first ones they go after.
little_fish
Moderator
For a 125, i would go with a few metal halides. Finding the t5 lighting for a tank that sized would be very pricy
SeaBee
Ha Ha Thats Funny!
I had all those corals under compact flourecsent for about 6 months, all low light easy stuff.
SeaBee
Ha Ha Thats Funny!
MH lighting can be costly to operate on the light bill, T-5 are expensive, but a little more effecient.
BL1
.............
Here's one of the least expensive fixtures you'll find for your tank, it'll allow you to keep any kind of corals you'd like. 72in Metal Halide HQI System Advance Plus
little_fish
Moderator
Ya, you can keep those corals happy and healthy under compact fluorescent lighting, just not with the low wattage he has.
AmberSunrise
Reef enthusiast
I would suggest ricordias and mushrooms they come in all colors are very beautiful and dont require much light at all. I dont know about your fish though they sometimes are known to eat corals.
I personally would try looking on craigslist or something and get a couple of tester ones for 5-10 bucks to see if the fish try to eat it before spending a lot of money.
I think a good anemone to start with is a condylactis they are pretty cheap dont require really high light and are really pretty.
I personally would try looking on craigslist or something and get a couple of tester ones for 5-10 bucks to see if the fish try to eat it before spending a lot of money.
I think a good anemone to start with is a condylactis they are pretty cheap dont require really high light and are really pretty.
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SeaBee
Ha Ha Thats Funny!
Sorry, I don't see the wattage listed.....
little_fish
Moderator
No prob, but 4 bulbs over a 125 seems like it would be on the super low side.
SeaBee
Ha Ha Thats Funny!
I would go with some inexpensive zoos and a leather and place them mid level, and see how they do. THose corals can take a beating and live. I've found zoos behind rock after months and they open and live, so I dont think you could go wrong with those, myself.
And I would look into a nice TEK T-5 light from Sunlight Supply, excellent light.
And I would look into a nice TEK T-5 light from Sunlight Supply, excellent light.
Toolman
RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH
You and that damn xenia I am still trying to get rid of it :frustrat: crab grass of the sea :grumble:
AmberSunrise
Reef enthusiast
LOL
I also have an anthelia and kenya tree which both do well in low light and are growing good but not in a bad way.
SeaBee
Ha Ha Thats Funny!
Now there's an example of a tough coral!!! THis guy took it out of his tank on the rock and scaped it with a scaper and still it thrives!
Get some xenia, you'll be cussing me out in 6 months on how it took over the tank.
I think Toolhead can send you some free....
sen5241b
Reef enthusiast
Metal Halides are the way to go. LEDs are great but more pricey. The MH will generate heat and you may have to deal with that using fans or A/C.
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