lighting and coral help

[SDW]

I have VHO lighting on a 90 gal tank which is 4- 110 w lights (2 actinic) and 2 white lights. The question I have is that my tank appears to be making my corals look dull. I do not have many coral yet but I am wondering if it is the lights, and is it possible to have coral with just VHO lights or do I need to have MH to keep coral happy?

 

[returnofsid]

Many people have kept all types of corals under VHO lighting. IMO, unless in a very deep tank, and at the bottom of the tank, MH lighting is not necessary. T5HO does a great job of keeping most corals happy. What types of corals are you having issues with?

Another possibility, besides lighting, is nutrients. Quite some time ago, I had all my SPS corals turning brown on me. I was afraid that my T5HO lighting wasn't sufficient. About the time I'd convinced myself that it was my lighting, I upgraded my skimmer. Shortly afterwards, I noticed a marked increase in my SPS colors. Soon afterwards, my corals were vibrant colors and looked great!!

 

[SDW]

As always, your a wealth of knowledge, it seems mine are turning kinda brown as well. It seems to be all my coral, starburst, zoas, candy cane. Hard to tell if the toad stools are affected. I was hoping I could use this lighting, although it probably would be cheaper to upgrade the lights

 

[returnofsid]

Upgrading the lighting would give you much more options for keeping corals. But, again, that might not be the only problem. Look at how well your skimmer is working on your tank, as well.