Hi ViperD
No, it does not need intense lighting. I set up my tank with live sand and a few rocks on July 26, and didn't get my VHO's until Sept. 26. (My LFS said was delayed due to the NYC bombing, but I believe he forgot to place my order -- my lights took six weeks to come in! ) During that time I added my live rock as I could afford it. I did put in snails, crabs, and a few Dominos after a month or so. (And I only recently got a protein skimmer.) Best of Luck with your reef!
Merri