Is my Lighting too strong?

[Navyblue]

Hi All,

I keep 2 clownfishes about an inch long each in a 14.5 gallon tank. Recently I've decided to start keeping coral in it. So I installed a 36 watts power compact fluorescent, with 10,000K/actinic tube. When I switch it on the 2 clownfishes seem preety freak out and start charging everywhere.

Here's the question:
1. Is the lighting too strong? or
2. They will get adjusted after sometimes?

Thanks.

 

[allthingsanimal]

I would say that your lighting is not too strong it is only about 2.5 watt/gallon. Your clowns will need a little time to adjust. How long have they been in the tank?

 

[Toyman321]

just an idea to help them get used to it is boosting the lights higher up off the tank to lower the intensity of the light in the tank for a bit so they can get used to it. Sometimes I've had fish that would freak out when the lights were switched on so I would angle the lights away from the tank, turn in on and then put the lights back on the tank slowly so it wouldnt be a suddon shot of light.

 

[Leopardess]

No, its not too strong. The fish will get accustomed to it shortly A lot of harder coral tanks and fw planted tanks use much more light than you've got running. Maybe add some more dark hiding places for them to get away to until then

 

[Navyblue]

Thanks for all your inputs... btw my tank is 1 foot deep... If I were to change it to 15W fluoresence will it be too weak? And I don't intend to keep any hard corals.

 

[Navyblue]

Missed out this one just now... they have been in the tank for less than a month...

 

[S.Reef]

NO...stick with the stronger light. If your corals could talk they would thank you. I wouldn't worry about the clowns. They will get over the increase in light in a few days.

Sam Reef
________________
90 Gallon FOWLR Marine System
20 Gallon Reef
10 Gallon Reef
20 Gallon Freshwater planted aquarium

 

[Navyblue]

Thanks Pal...

 

[KimandRob]

I had the same problem when i got a 130 watt CF for my 29. You just have to slowly introduce them to the new light, I've even read that the fish can get sunburned if not introduced slowly to more light. good luck