Lighting and photosynthesis

[KimPossible]

Whew! I got it, then I lost it, then I got it, then I lost it!
Bottom line, I think I'm doing just fine
Borneman-

As to getting the rest of their requiremens by food, corals are polytrophic/mixotrophic and can get it by feeding on many food sources, including particulates, poop, dissolved organics, zooplankton, bacteria, etc. Direct supplemental and target feeding in a tank may or may notbe required depending on the coral and the individual tank. In any event, more food certainly won't hurt, so long as water quality remains high.

Scott-

I think Eric is correct in that heterotrphy can certainly provide our corals enough carbon and nitrogen by-products. The problem is, I do not feel like this is practical in such small aquatic systems as our tanks. Sure, you can always feed and feed corals and eventually they will get everything they need but this would really compromise our systems. So, this might work in the wild but in the aquarium, VHOs/halides/PCs are needed in order to compensate for our aquarium's inability to "flush out" wastes...

My situation, PC'S~2-65watt 10K's and 2-65watt true actinics/somewhat nutrient rich environment coupled with CC.
I've got numerous filter feeders and a torch (meaty).
I run a HOB skimmer and do regular water changes. My params are all within range....BUT the one thing I am constantly questioning is my lighting(which most times confuses the hell out of me). From reading the thread Cheeks provided and the input in this thread I think my somewhat nutrient rich environment and specific lighting is adequate to keep my particular Softy/Invert/LPS inhabitants healthy.~That is until I come across another article that sends me reeling the other way!

[cheeks69]

That is until I come across another article that sends me reeling the other way!

Which link is that Kim ? If your Corals are doing well in the current setup then why change anything ? Unless you like Halides and want to upgrade your fine with your current setup, now if you want to get SPS or Clams then I would seriously consider an upgrade.

This is an old thread eventually I did upgrade to Halides and would never go back to PC's. If you do make the switch please make sure you aclimate very slowly otherwise there will be serious consequences

My LPS Anemones Mushrooms and even leathers didn't do very well after being used to PC's for a couple of years and took several months to adjust and completely recover and thrive.

[KimPossible]

I was doing a search on "torch corals" and this (your) thread popped up. I read through the link you provided. It was a thread on another forum moderated by Borneman that dealt the relationship of our lights and Zooxanthellae.
I found it very interesting and benificial.

I came away feeling better about my unyeiling urge to determin if I have adequate lighting for my system. That I am giving my corals what they need to remain healthy and to thrive.

One reason that kept me in "seach mode" is that I am scared to death to upgrade because I'm sure I'll go into a serious algae bloom. I have a prime environment with the nutrient level I keep for all my filter feeders .

Who know's in this hobby....it happens all the time. Just when you think you know something!

[cheeks69]

IMO your best indicator is your Corals not the experts ! If everything is thriving in your tank and your happy with it then why change ???

The only reason why I eventually upgraded was because I wanted SPS otherwise I would've kept either PC's or gone with T5's....temperature kills ya with MH's in the summertime.

[KimPossible]

Thanks Cheeks!
I'm finally satisfied with my lights....now to keep on schedule with my bulbs

[ScottT1980]

Originally Posted by cheeks69

IMO your best indicator is your Corals not the experts ! If everything is thriving in your tank and your happy with it then why change ???

I certainly agree. Facts are often few and far between in the hobby, where generalizations seem to be more common. Therefore, if you are having success, then I would not feel the need to change anything.

Take er easy
Scott T.