How many hours of light for a BTA...?

[1DeR9_3Hy]

I have just been offered a 150 (72x18x24) for free, and now im thinking about setting up a mostly fowlr in my basement where i work out to keep my mind busier while im down their. I was thinking about keeping a BTA in one end under a 250 watt DE pendant i have, which will probably use a XM 10K bulb...how many hours do you think the nem would like the MH to be on for per day?

Im pinching pennies, so if i have to run that bulb 12 hours a day i will be skipping the nem for now. But if it can be happy with 4-6 hours a day, then that works for me.

I was thinking of making a tall rock bommie for it to sit on, then let it choose where it wants to go. I have a pair of GSM's sitting in a ten gallon that would go perfect with it.

 

[patriots81]

12 hours a day for MHs is way too much. you should be fine with about 6-7 hours a day. You need to let the tank cycle though. You're lucky to be able to get that for free!

 

[Coral Hind]

Sweet deal you got there! 6 hours will be enough as the anemone will move up if it needs more light. The new bulb you have chosen will also help you to keep the photo period low as it is high in PAR. I would feed it at a minimum of once a week to make sure it is getting enough to sustain it.

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

I know, im excited about it...up until yesterday i was planning on two 120's for prop tanks...but i cant pass up this deal for a fowlr tank

The only downfall to it, is it has a built in centeroverflow with two holes drilled in it. I am thinking i will cut it out, and cap both of the holes then drill another hole in the back face for the drain. That will free up a ton of swimming room.

 

[Coral Hind]

I agree that your proposed DIY will help open up the tank.

Here is an idea for an internal overflow I came up with while at work. My safety officer down the hall was surprised when he came to work and his "in box" was missing off his door.

This is an end shot showing it before with dual 1" bulkheads.

Same end shot view after installing the "in box overflow" about 6 months ago.

FTS taken 8/8/09 showing the "in box overflow". The slope makes it quiet and it frees up more space then the typical box type.

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Neat idea for the overflow, i assume your running a modified 'herbie' style overflow?

 

[clownfish 15208]

8 is the magic number for reefs