Time

I went to go get some live rock today and discovered there were several finger corals on the rock. I am not sure if they are finger corals or not but they are red and look like them. They are not swaying around either so what do you think? I got like 20 tiny ones and 2 little ones. I don't have the proper lighting but I will try getting it tomorrow. I consider this to be lucky. I can't believe the guy didn't see.

Time

Okay I have finger corals that came as hitch hikers from a live rock. I don't have money left to buy a canopy or all the lights but I will try a DIY. I am thinking of mixing in 12", 18" and two light bulbs so it can have different light settings. This will have great help from my dad but I have experience wiring and building but not wood cutting. Do I really have to have all those lights to keep corals? I am trying to start with polyps and mushrooms. So how long do the corals have to live without the proper lighting? I will try starting tomorrow but can't buy the lights until a while.

I merged your threads per your request. Ken

ATP

What's your lighting right now? What kind of lights are you going to get?

MizRamzi

What size of tank do you have? Lighting is the most important when keeping corals. Some can tolerate low light levels but remember light is where they get most of their food, photosynthesis. You can supplement with phytoplankton. IMO, don't get corals until you can get the proper lighting.

Time

Okay it is a 20 gallon tank and I have food for my fanworm and already have some finger corals but not the appropriate lighting. I think if a moderator finds this they should merge the thread with my hitchhiker thread. It would be really helpful.

Time

Going to try and get coralife. I will ask at the pet store what type of lighting, I got these as a freebie and don't want them dead. I have normal florescent.

eiginh

Kudos!!! That must be a big live rock that you bought to fit that many finger corals unless they are really that tiny!

MizRamzi

You could look on Aquabid.com or Ebay for some pretty good deals on 20g strip lights.

ATP

What kind of coralife?

Time

I will get whatever lighting they recomend and yes they are that tiny and hard to see. Only two are contributing to my tank and they are still pretty hard to see.

Time

Okay I have the little ends and the power suply enough for the 4 light row. I can't buy online.

MizRamzi

Ok, well you could start out with one bulb and work your way up from there. Still wouldn't add any more corals until you get more lighting. However fish you can add. That'll make the waiting less painful,
You could go for some little gobys, damsels, clowns. Most are within 6$ to 20$ range.
Keep us informed. Another idea, check craigslist in your area. You may find something cheap!

Time

I will. Will the finger corals live on one light? I made the little light stand and just need to do the wiring. I will only add one l18" ight fixture some screw in bulbs and a 12".

ATP

make sure they're around 60 watts or over

Time

I have a 40 watt light fixture but haven't "installed" it. I can get a 60 watt tube but can I put in the 40 watt? Can fluorescent do at 60 watts?

Time

I finished making a simple light stand that goes on top of the tank able to house a 40 watt tube which I will get today if my dad doesn't back out. I will extend it to a canopy but this was urgent. My lamp broke because it was used and I dropped it. Will the 40 watt do? I don't want these freebies to die. I bought buffer that keeps KH for calcium and coralline algae. What else do I need to keep finger coral? I need your help. This is my first ever coral.

MizRamzi

I think for corals the norm is 3w per gallon. Until you can get the proper lighting, try moving the corals UP closer to the lighting. That should work just fine. Then you could try some corals that need lesser light.

I found this link for you. Hope it helps.

http://www.marinecenter.com/corals/c...thergreenfiji/

Time

My current lamp broke and I am having trouble with the one I made. I will try using new parts. One of the things to house the light broke but I have a coral light I just got it today. I will be needing another one so I will try to fix the problems as soon as I can and add a new light housing for the corals.

iloveengl

GL with the wiring and all & BE CAREFUL! Saltwater + electricity = bzzt!

smileyfish

can i borrow your luck? haha

Time

NO! I have so little as is. I am trying to make the best out of it. I almost cried of frustration. Lol its a good thing my cousin was nice enough to give me a lamp and a 10 gallon filter which I will use as a power head. At least I don't get algae and fortunately my finger corals are alive. My dad of all people who studied over 5 years to become an electrician busted my work. He said he would buy me the lamp for it but the 10 gallon will work to see the critters. I will build an HOB fan shelf.