Coral Lighting Guide: LED & T5 Selection

Lighting is one of the most critical pieces of equipment in coral keeping. Corals perform photosynthesis through their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), making appropriate light intensity and spectrum directly tied to their health and coloration.

Lighting Basics: What Is PAR?

Understanding PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is essential when discussing coral lighting.

• PAR measures the amount of light available for photosynthesis (measured in umol/m2/s)
• Soft Corals: approximately 50-150 PAR
• LPS: approximately 100-250 PAR
• SPS (such as Acropora): 250-500+ PAR

LED Lighting: Features and Selection

Advantages: - Energy-efficient with low heat output - Many models allow fine-tuning of color temperature and spectrum - Long lifespan (5-10 years) - Equipped with timer and dimming functions

Disadvantages: - High-quality units can be expensive - Spectrum quality varies by product

Selection Tips - Choose **full-spectrum** models - Blue, violet, and UV wavelengths (400-470nm) are effective for color enhancement - Ideally, verify actual values with a PAR meter (quantum sensor)

T5 Fluorescent Lighting: Features

Advantages: - Even, uniform light spread with minimal hotspots - Stable spectrum (colors can be mixed using different bulb types) - Popular among SPS enthusiasts

Disadvantages: - High heat output, requiring chillers or cooling fans - Bulbs need periodic replacement (every 6-12 months) - Higher electricity costs compared to LED

Lighting Schedule Setup

Replicating a natural light cycle is important.

• Photoperiod: 8-12 hours per day is recommended
• Sunrise/sunset simulation: Gradual ramping up and down reduces stress on corals
• Blue lighting (Actinic): Turn on before white lights and off after them to enhance coral fluorescence

Precautions When Adding New Corals

Placing corals unaccustomed to light under high-intensity lighting can cause photobleaching.

• Initially place them in a low-light area of the tank
• Gradually move them to the target position over 1-2 weeks

Find Corals on Bri-Choku

In the Coral category, you can purchase healthy corals raised under proper lighting conditions by breeders. Checking what lighting was used during their growth will make the transition to your tank smoother.