Correct Light For Corals

[terazuchile]

Hello everyone
I would like to understand all nuances about the correct light in the reef tank. As far as I know, there are many of them. Can I ask you  guys, how many lamps will I need for this aquarium 48″ x 18″ x 24″ ? I'm going to use the fluorescent bulbs, because the LED lamps are too pricey for my budget.
 
Thanks for the assistance 
 

 

[Zante]

What corals are you planning to have?

 

[AquariumGuides]

From what I understand, fluorescent bulbs are too weak for most corals. However, if you are planning on using them I would recommend getting a 4-8 bulb t5 fluorescent fixture. Otherwise, if you need more power, you could use metal halide bulbs. 
 
However, with the huge investment reef aquariums are, I would recommend saving up if possible for LEDs. You could put LEDs on a tank that size for about $800

 

[terazuchile]

From what I understand, fluorescent bulbs are too weak for most corals. However, if you are planning on using them I would recommend getting a 4-8 bulb t5 fluorescent fixture. Otherwise, if you need more power, you could use metal halide bulbs. 
 
However, with the huge investment reef aquariums are, I would recommend saving up if possible for LEDs. You could put LEDs on a tank that size for about $800

 
Thanks, you are right it is very expensive to have the reef tank. I think that I will postopne buying the Led panle. Now I will use 4 these (54W) https/www.mrosupply.com/lighting/ballasts/fluorescent-ballasts/1854152_flft5eh54w850_fulham-lighting/  I hope this light will be corect for pipe corals. 

 

[Zante]

Hmm... possibly just about sufficient, especially if you put the coral high in the water column.
 
The colour temperature is wrong though. Reef tanks are set up with colder light.
If you have room for 4 tubes I'd go with
- one pink
- one 10.000k
- one 14.000k
- one actinic
 
5.000k is warmer than the natural sunlight which is around 6.500k, and water filters out the warm colours before the cold ones, that is why everything seems blue as you go deeper.