Aquarium lighting is the critical element for successful Ricordea husbandry. There are many different aquarium lighting configurations to choose from, selection can be difficult. I can tell you from diving; the sunlight is intense even at depths well below the surface. Ricordea are sensitive to light especially quick changes in light. Just like any other coral some of the most intense colors need intense aquarium light to maintain appearance.
I am a firm believer in Metal halide aquarium
lighting for Ricordea. In a semi-commercial environment you need the lights pretty high off the tank and Metal Halide is your best bet for your investment. Even more important, as you see above, is to incorporate natural sunlight into your aquaculture or reef system. This shot was taken at mid-day, and you can barely see these 400w Metal Halide aquarium lights burning. The addition of sunlight to your aquarium can create an almost miraculous result with regard to growth, coloration and healing. If your sunlight is high intensity all year round you can lean towards a deep blue bulb like a 20k. If you have lower level sunlight a 14k or 12k will do fine. I have, in the past, used Power Compact and VHO actinic aquarium lighting to supplement the Metal Halide bulbs but in the long run found no real value. The aesthetic appearance at mid day was hardly noticed.
The Ricordea Yuma seems far more sensitive to aquarium and natural light than the Ricordea Florida. As a general rule of thumb I keep Ricordea Yuma off to the sides, especially for the first month. When introducing Deep Red and Deep Orange Ricordea Yuma to a reef tank I tend to slowly move them toward the center a bit each week. This method promotes brightening after two months or so. All Ricordea cuttings line the sides of the tank and are under indirect lighting for 8 weeks.
24 Jul 2008 at 3:19am
Detroit Science Center (IMAX Dome Theatre): Films at the IMAX, "Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk," "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs," "Dolphins" and "Coral Reef Adventure." Call for daily times. 5020 John R, Det...
23 Jul 2008 at 1:05pm
Crown-of-thorns starfish, which can devastate coral reefs, are less common in Australian no-fishing zones
21 Jul 2008 at 4:15pm
Marine species show dismal survival rates when the predatory lionfish swim into their ecosystem, an Oregon State University study indicates.The study found when lionfish entered an area, survival rates other reef fish...
23 Jul 2008 at 7:19pm
Jacques Cousteau was a pioneer in the study of marine biology, but new research shows the ocean life he explored could be dead within a few years, says Tim Radford
21 Jul 2008 at 5:06pm
Coral reefs around the world are disappearing and the culprit here is carbon dioxide.
selection can be difficult. I can tell you from diving; the sunlight is intense even at depths well below the surface. Ricordea are sensitive to light especially quick changes in light. Just like any other coral some of the most intense colors need intense aquarium light to maintain appearance. 
pretty high off the tank and Metal Halide is your best bet for your investment. Even more important, as you see above, is to incorporate natural sunlight into your aquaculture or reef system. This shot was taken at mid-day, and you can barely see these 400w Metal Halide aquarium lights burning. The addition of sunlight to your aquarium can create an almost miraculous result with regard to growth, coloration and healing. If your 
sunlight is high intensity all year round you can lean towards a deep blue bulb like a 20k. If you have lower level sunlight a 14k or 12k will do fine. I have, in the past, used Power Compact and VHO actinic aquarium lighting to supplement the Metal Halide bulbs but in the long run found no real value. The aesthetic appearance at mid day was hardly noticed. 
the Ricordea Florida. As a general rule of thumb I keep Ricordea Yuma off to the sides, especially for the first month. When introducing Deep Red and Deep Orange Ricordea Yuma to a reef tank I tend to slowly move them toward the center a bit each week. This method promotes brightening after two months or so. All Ricordea cuttings line the sides of the tank and are under indirect lighting for 8 weeks. 
