Lighting for FO or FOWLR tank

[mling]

I know that high intensity lighting is needed for a reef tank. What about a Fish only tank ? Would normal fluorescent lighting be sufficient since there are no corals ? Is high lighting needed for the life rock ?

[kwjones]

Normal output flourescent lighting is fine for a FOWLER, you fish don't care much about the lights. You also don't need to leave the lights on all the time...you could have them on for 6 hours a day if you wanted to. I think coralline does grows better under less intense lighting.

[Phishnoob]

We have PC retrofits on our FOWLR tanks. This lets you put in softies as well. The typical amount on the retro kits is about 2-3 W/gallon with separate daylight and actinic bulbs.

The flourescents that came with the tanks did not light it enough to really make things look good.