akamel

I was at home talking about setting up a SW tank and the lighting required for corals,etc. My neighbor--not knowing much at all about fishkeeping--asked me
" why do you need special lighting for corals,etc when in the ocean the coral is so far down that they get no light anyway ?" At this I replied " Hhhhmmmm, I dont know ! That's a good question !" So does anyone have the answer ?

iloveengl

LOL I've never thought about that either. I'm sure there is a reason, but I seriously lack even the most minute knowledge about SW that I couldn't begin to figure it out.

Maybe most SW tanks are more like tidal pool tanks. That's the best I can come up with.

Hahha. Great question Mel! I can't wait to find out the reason.

akamel

do ya think it's just a marketing ploy ? Hhhhmmm--if it didnt envolve the risk of life for a fish/coral I would do my own investigation ! Makes ya think huh?

iloveengl

I did some googling, and it looks like my guess was kinda on target.

Check this out: http://www.petplace.com/fish/lightin...ium/page1.aspx

Slug

Not all coral is far down. In many reefs around the world, stony corals are fully exposed out of water for hours on end when the tide is low.

And of course, being the sun...its just a tad brighter then our aquariums and their lights. The sun can easily cut through the water.

akamel

ok ! I read the article and it makes sense now but it was a good question! lol