| There are some species of coral that can survive | | | | requires for photosynthesis to work, it is also |
| with the normal amount of lighting, so for the | | | | important to note that it has an upper limit tolerance |
| beginner, you may want to stick to these species. | | | | as well. Your lights must therefore be in the middle or |
| Specifically, Mushroom Coral and Coral Polyps can | | | | bad things will happen to both the zooxanthellae, and |
| survive with normal lighting techniques. | | | | as a byproduct, the coral. |
| Conversely, species such as SPS (Small Polyp Stony | | | | While not an exact science as how much or how little |
| Coral) that include Acoropora, Montipora, Porites, | | | | light depends on how many xooxanthellae reside in |
| Brain Coral, Bubble Coral, Elegance Coral, Cup Coral, | | | | the coral, and that can be anywhere from thousands |
| Torch Coral, and Trumpet Coral require far greater | | | | to millions, but a good place to start would be to |
| intensity with lighting, making them a substantially | | | | ensure that your intensity minimum is 3000-lux and |
| greater challenge for the aquarium hobbyist, especially | | | | that you don't go above 120,000-lux. While this may |
| considering more light usually means more harmful | | | | seem to be a quite wide and open range, you will |
| algae will grow in the tank. | | | | have to make determinations base on the behavior |
| The best lighting technique to keep your coral safe is | | | | of your coral. |
| the light emitting diode (LED) technology, which has | | | | Good quality types of lamps to use would include |
| begun to make the former standards: gas and | | | | florescent, and you should use six lamps, or if your |
| filament based lighting systems obsolete. Though | | | | aquarium is not wide enough for that, then it is |
| initially more expensive then gas and filament | | | | recommended that you instead utilize high output |
| systems, over time they save money because they | | | | lamps, which are more expensive, but necessary. You |
| use less power and have a longer lifespan, meaning | | | | should replace these bulbs every six months. Power |
| less replacement costs and hassle. | | | | compact florescent lamps, which are U-shaped, are |
| It is important to note that the zooxanthellae's | | | | an even better option, and you will only need four. |
| photosynthesis process require light of two different | | | | Coral is an excellent addition to any aquarium, and |
| colors: red and blue, which is why aquarium lights | | | | there are many fish that enjoy coral as a food |
| often will exude a purple hue, as most of them | | | | source. Regardless if you have added coral to your |
| provide both colors as an industry standard. | | | | aquarium to survive or as sustenance for your fish, |
| While it is essential to have the minimum amount of | | | | you have to have the right lighting or it won't survive. |
| light in order to meet the xooxanthellae's minimum | | | | |