ho t5 enough for a nem?

[rpc07]

Eventually i plan on having a bta of some sort for my 2 false perc's and was curious if the current light i have is good for them, its a 4 x54 t5

 

[garygb]

Yes, T-5 can deliver plenty of light for a BTA. you don't mention how large your tank is, but assuming the BTA is located in relative proximity to the lights, you should be fine.

 

[rpc07]

its a 55 gal with a 48" fixture

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

You have plenty of light,I keep rbtas and ltas under 6x54 on a 120.

 

[Lenny718]

Sorry to thread jack, can you keep a carpet under T5's or do they require MH lighting?

 

[sfboarders]

Yes, T-5 can deliver plenty of light for a BTA. you don't mention how large your tank is, but assuming the BTA is located in relative proximity to the lights, you should be fine.

Would be placing in the middle of the tank be ok? I have the same light setup but not overdriven.

 

[garygb]

T-5 HOs (no need to be overdriven) with the BTA in the middle or anywhere else should be fine in a 55 w 4-bulbs. The Grimreefer has an excellent thread on the equipment forum where he answers most question regarding which bulbs provide the greatest PAR, how long to use the bulbs, what kinds of animals can be kept successfully with T-5s, etc. So for more specific information regarding the best bulb combos, I suggest you go to that thread. However, I can assure you, 4 T-5s over a 55 gallon will provide ample light for a BTA. For a carpet, I would wonder if it is gigantea or haddoni? For haddoni in a typical 55 gallon, almost certainly. For gigantea, perhaps if the anemone is directly under the bulbs and in the top third of the tank. I expect it would be fine, but I defer the the Grimreefer on that. If you can't find specific answers to whether gigantea will thrive under 4 T-5s, then post a question. He is quick to respond and knowledgeable about specific species lighting requirements.

 

[garygb]

Also, individual reflectors make for greater PAR at depth. For BTAs not a concern, for carpets, individual reflectors is advisable if not necessary.

 

[Jason S]

Remember that you may place the BTA closer to the lights, but it may or may not stay there. It will freely move wherever it feels the most comfortable and stay there(hopefully). I have had a BTA clone in the tank and the original stayed put, but the clone never seemed to find a spot it liked. It roamed until I gave it away to a friend where it finally settled.

My current BTA stays in a shaded cave most of the time, and only extends itself into the light for about 6 hours a day.

Regardless, from a light perspective, yes you can keep them under t-5s as long as your other parameters are kept in check, and your tank has a bit of age under it. I woud say no less than 6 months, but preferably a year.

Good luck!

 

[MatthewLaw]

I had my RBTA under 4x54 T5s (60g 48" tank) and it was doing well. I just added another fixture so the tank is now under 6x54 T5s and the anemone is responding very well. So it can survive under 4 T5s, but may thrive greater under 6 T5s (or MH).

 

[IPowderBlueTang]

I have a Gbta with 4 t5"s in a 65 gal 156 watts and it has been doing great.