Anemone Lighting

[Reefman29]

I want to get a bubble tip anemone for a 20 or 30 gallon tank. It would be for the anemone and a pair of clownfish. How much lighting would I need? Can I get away with not having a protein skimmer? Extra information: The tank is still being planned so any changes can be made.
Thanks for the help, Ryan

 

[Fishamatank]

You are probably going to want a skimmer. Even the easier to keep anemones like BTA's need very good water conditions. Also, a 20 or 30 gallon is really on the small side for just a bout any nem for a couple reasons:
More water = more stability
They get big!
You will need to wait probably 6 months at least after the tank is set up to let things settle out.

 

[Reefman29]

I do realize the tank will be small. I did learn one thing from the hobby though- patience. What kind of lighting? How much? Out of curiousity do you have one?

 

[2Addicted]

I agree with fishamatank your going to want a skimmer. If i were you I would get a little bigger tank and go with metal halide lighting. Go pick up a tank from petco they are on sale!!!!!

 

[Fishamatank]

I have an LTA and have kept a BTA as well under T5. On a small/shallow tank you could probably get away with PC's as well, but it would be a risk. You can't go wrong with T5's or MH.

 

[Reefman29]

I have T5s on another of my tanks. I just wasn't sure if T5s would be enough or if I would have to go with MH. Thanks