Lighting for algae growth

[joey182]

I have a 55 gallon rectagular tank. And I use kent marines tech cb calcium and buffr additive. Rite now 1 40 watt striplight onthe tank. And
I want purple coraline algae to grow. Will a 130 watt aqua light be enough for it to grow? Also Could I grow feather calerpra under the aqualight?

[steve1s]

130 watts of light on a 55 would be good for growing coralline providing proper chem is maintained. Keep in mind that coralline does not grow that well with more intense lighting. It is the type of light that greatly affects it's growth, actinic being the best. Coralline will often grow with 2 watts/g. Many of the differing types such as orange, black, green and pink will even grow in much less light.

If the Aqualight is a basic NO strip, it will be fine for caulerpa of most types. They also do not need great amounts of light but rather the right spectrum. 7100k seems to do the best in my experience...

Cheers
Steve