What Corals Need Metal Halide?

Metal halide lights for saltwater reef aquariums come in a spectrum of intensity. Certain coral species benefit from the use of metal halide lights. Halide lights penetrate water easily, but lose intensity the deeper the light travels in the aquarium. Proper placement of of corals is crucial when using halide lighting. Knowing what species of corals requires what light intensity is essential to a coral's health, reproduction and development.

  1. Small Polyp Stony

    • Small polyp stony corals require metal halide lights for continuing health and development. Place SPS corals in an aquarium properly for maximum growth. SPS corals need proper lighting for production of zooxanthellae and maximum polyp extension for feeding. SPS corals do not have tentacles to feed so polyps must fully extend to feed, and light is a factor in the SPS health. All SPS corals require intense, direct metal halide light and maximum water flow. Aquariums housing SPS corals should place SPS near the top of the aquarium and provide 1000-watt, 6,700K halide lighting.

    Large Polyp Stony

    • The large polyp stony coral require varying amounts of halide lighting. Provide large stony polyps with 1,000 watt, 6,700K metal halide. The LPS corals need specific placement in the aquarium. These corals require low current to expand to their maximum potential and allow for feeding with their long tentacles. Metal halide lighting requirements vary depending on the coral. For instance, LPS corals species like Echinophyllia, Echinopora and Acanthastrea Hillae require indirect halide lighting. Species such as Lobophyllia and Turbinaria Reniformis require intense, direct light, while Scolymia and Cynarina Lacrymalis require medium light.

    Mushrooms

    • Bubble mushrooms prefer indirect metal halide lighting. The bubble mushroom is the only mushroom that prefers this lighting. Proper placement is necessary with the bubble mushroom. Place bubble mushrooms away from heavy current and in an area of the aquarium that receives indirect light for maximum expansion and reproduction. All other mushrooms prefer fluorescent, low to medium light. Place mushrooms other than bubble mushrooms in shady areas of the aquarium when using metal halide lights.

    Live Rock

    • Live rock benefits from the use of halide lighting no matter the placement in the aquarium. Live rock houses several different living organisms, such as tube worms and coralline algae that grow in green, purple, pink and red. Live rock requires florescent light in conjunction with halide light. Provide live rock with 20,000k metal halide light 4-5 hours a day and 12 hours of fluorescent blue light per day.