coral fluorescence; lighting for a 120, 24" depth      4/26/13
I am getting ready to upgrade my lighting. I am going for a 1000 watt MH setup over my 2.5 gallon pico.
<Heeeeee! Liquid lava!>
I can't wait to see the growth I will get then! Seriously though I am considering either 250 watts or more likely 400 watts as I have a Sebae anemone
<Not in a few gallons>
which at the moment is bleached but has settled in and in the week I have had it I see a marked difference in its appearance and its food response. I also want a Crocea or Maxima clam or two at some point. Anyway the question I would like to ask is whether or not corals can be seen fluorescing at depths where the light is mostly blue?
<Oh yes; can be done>
 I am having a hard time deciding if I want bluer bulbs or if I want to stick with 10k's or even 6500k's.
<Some are useful for this... see WWM re "actinic/blue" light/s>
 I love the fluorescence but I also want as natural looking a tank as possible too.
<Mmm; well... a trade-off>
I may just supplement with actinics so I can view the fluorescence at night and in the morning like a sunrise effect.
<Oh! Possible>
Either way the upgrade is going to happen in a couple weeks. I have175's now and I know they are not going to work with the Sebae and Maximas and or Croceas. Thank you for all you put into this site. It has already taught me volumes.
<Be chatting, Bob Fenner>
coral fluorescence     4/26/13
I forgot to tell you the depth of my tank is 24" and it is a 120 gallon tank. I wanted to know if you think I should go with 250s or 400s with the animals I have and want to keep? Thank you as always.
<Three 250's is what I'd go with. Likely w/ some specialized fluorescents... Or do a bit of reading/searching re recent LED technology.
Am cc'ing our James Gasta here re his resp. Bob Fenner>
Coral Fluorescence 4/29/13
<<Hello James,
Bob has asked me to respond to your email.>>
I forgot to tell you the depth of my tank is 24" and it is a 120 gallon tank. I wanted to know if you think I should go with 250s or 400s with the animals I have and want to keep? Thank you as always.
<Three 250's is what I'd go with.
<<I agree with Bob, one lamp per 24" of length.>>
 Likely w/ some specialized fluorescents... Or do a bit of reading/searching re recent LED technology.
<<If it were me, I would seriously consider LED lighting over this tank. 
In the long run it is much less money.  With energy savings and no yearly lamp replacement costs, the savings will pay for the LEDs and they offer high PAR (depending on brand) and the proper spectrum that corals/anemones best respond to.  Another factor is low heat which requires no fans or chillers.
James (Salty Dog)>>