Simple lighting question

[JoelB]

Is it true that lighting of a specific spectral balance and intensity is:

a. required for coral
b. desirable for plants
c. just optional for live rock, fish and anemones


....and....
Will T5 flourescents

a. give that spectral balance and intensity
b. reach down to 2ft, and
c. fit in a conventional flourescent fitting

 

[geeimatree]

a yes
b yes
c anemones you need it i think, fish i dont think so, live rock no clue

im not a saltwater guy so i dont know much

 

[qwesty]

A-Yes
B-Yes
C-Anemones yes, live rock it helps for coraline algae growth

T5's will work depending on how many and what type of corals your keeping
Personally I would not recommend anything less than halides for SPS corals or anemones

they will penetrate a 2ft depth and I have never tried putting them in a normal flourescent fitting but my guess is no, even if they did the ballast powering them would not put out the wattage that you are desiring.