anemone in 55 gallon

[amylynnfloyd]

I am in the process of setting up a 55 gallon aquarium, and in the future, would like to add an anemone. I am in the process of looking for lights right now, and would like to go with T5 lighting. I want to get the right kind of lights now, even though I do not plan to keep one for at least six months. Could I keep an anemone under T5's? If so, how many bulbs would I need? Also, what kind of anemone's will do well under T5 lighting? Thank you

 

[GSMguy]

T5 HO with individual reflectors
wait a few months before adding the anemone to the tank they need a well established tank

what lights are you looking at?

 

[amylynnfloyd]

I have a canopy, so I am wanting a good retrofit. I don't really know which are the best, and would appreciate the advice. I would really like to know, will I need a 2,4, or 6 bulb unit to keep an anemone. And, yes, I don't intent to keep one right away. At least 6 months in the future. I just want to prepare now and make sure I have the right equipment. Thanks

 

[GSMguy]

There are two great retros i would go with the 4 bulb tek retro with the icecap reflectors
the other oprion is for a lil more money the Icecap retro that uses the icecap ballast to overdrive the bulbs
Reef geek Or Salty critter will be able to ship it quickly and their prices are fair i would compare prices on whatever you get beetween the two.

T5 is a smart decision i think. what color would you like a really bright white tank or more of a blue look?

 

[amylynnfloyd]

I would probably like a light blue look. I don't want it to look unnaturally blue, but just a hint of blue. What bulbs would you suggest for this? Also, could I keep any anemone under this light setup? I want to start with a easy anemone. I am looking into a bubble tip anemone. Probably a rose color BTA. Thanks for the help?

 

[xxseawolf]

i have a t5 on my 55g. the ballast was designed for a 75g but modified it. i have 4 actinic 54w and 4 10k 54w. i have a tonga sebae(dont know the scientific name) hosted by a red stripe maroon. they have been doing well for 4 months. the tank was started almost a year ago. hope this helps.

 

[GSMguy]

i would do for an anemone tank 2x UVL super actinic 1 blue plus 1 aquablue

on a 4 bulb tek retro would be perfect for a bta but be sure to aclimate the anemone to the light because it will be intense

 

[amylynnfloyd]

Thanks for all the help. I would like to know if four T-5's on a 55 gallon aquarium would support most kinds of anemone's. I am wanting to start with a bubble, but would always like other options. Again thanks for all of the help.

 

[xxseawolf]

IMO you should be fine. good luck

 

[amylynnfloyd]

Great! Thanks for the help.

 

[Twisted]

I have 6X54w T5's on my 55 gallon and I think it is overkill. I have a BTA in it that is perfectly fine. In fact I am trying to get a 120 gallon from a local guy that is 4X2X2 feet so I can move the lights to a bigger tank.

 

[Big Brother]

just shoot for around 6 watts a gallon... basic rule, not perfect, but pretty good.

 

[amylynnfloyd]

So do I need 6 watts per gallon of T5 lighting? This would mean that I would need 8 lamps over my 55 gallon. I am a little confused. Could someone please help me out here. Thanks

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9585515#post9585515 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by amylynnfloyd
So do I need 6 watts per gallon of T5 lighting? This would mean that I would need 8 lamps over my 55 gallon. I am a little confused. Could someone please help me out here. Thanks

i would say 4 to 5 watts per gallon with the right t5s and youll be all set

 

[amylynnfloyd]

So would it be better to go with a 6 bulb retrofit? Or would the 4 bulb unit be enough. I plan on getting a good 4 bulb unit with individual reflectors. I want to make sure this would be enough. I do not want to regret anything after I purchase it. Sorry if I seem to go on over this, it just seems that lighting is one of the most important things in an aquarium. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[GSMguy]

4 bulb icecap will be plenty of light

 

[xxseawolf]

i agree with CMSguy, i have 8 bulbs on my ballast and it light my house up. i ordered a 6 bulb ballast and got a 8 ballast instead(meant for a 75g). you will be fine fine with a 4 to 6 bulb t5 setup. good luck.