Lighting for a carpet

[ctopal]

Hi,

I have a 30 gallon x-tra high tank (2 ft. tall) which is fowler at the moment. I eventually want a carpet, crocea clam, LPS and mushrooms. So I'm trying to figure out what light to get for this tank. What options do I have for a carpet? And will that lighting be ok for the LPS and mushrooms which I hear want less light? I've been told not to go with T-5 as it will be too much light for the corals and that I should go MH as the carpet and clam can go directly under the MH and the corals can have more indirect light. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Christine

 

[45commando]

I think most carpet anemones I've seen,seem to be happier down on the sand bed,so considering the height of your tank,I'd say you'd have to go with MH.The clam will also be alot happier with MH.HTH

 

[dantodd]

2 feet is pretty deep. What kind of carpet are you planning on? As far as the clam, I think the crocea don't need quite as much light as other clams so 250w of Mh might be enough but ask in the clam forum, they'll have more info.

 

[Amphiprion]

Sounds fine for both animals.

 

[a4twenty]

halides for sure crocea's and most carpet anemones are light hogs. also a 30 gallon is a bit small for a carpet as they are quite aggressive ( and can pack a wallop ) and get rather large.

 

[ctopal]

Sounds like MH is the way to go. None of my books give me tank sizes for anemones. Any other suggestions for my tank besides a carpet and BTA (I have those in my 90 already)

 

[dantodd]

Take a look at the FAQ at the top of this forum. A 30 is sort of a stretch for any anemone just because that small volume is more likely to have chemistry, salinity and temperature fluctuations than a 90. The only real limitation on size is the footprint of the tank. You probably want one that is at least as large as your anemone as an adult in any direction.

 

[bkmorris]

croceas are actually one of the most intense-light-needing of the clams.. lower light ones are squamosas and derasas.... which can still be very pretty.

 

[55semireef]

I have a Squamosas under my PCs of 220 watts over my 55 tank thats doing fine. He is just towards the top.

 

[David Grigor]

Carpets can get large and reek havoc to other livestock. I think a 30 is too small unless this tank is dedicated to the anemone with very little other corals in it. Also in such tight quarters, it may catch a fish or two for an expensive lunch. I personally would avoid the carpet in the 30 if this will be a community tank.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7572277#post7572277 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by David Grigor
I personally would avoid the carpet in the 30 if this will be a community tank.

Assuming we're talking about a fish hosting carpet anemone, I strongly agree. Especially since the aquarium is a 30 high.
It would help to know what type of carpet anemone you want to keep. There are certain "carpet anemones" that would do fine in a smaller aquarium- specifically the miniature carpet anemone species Stichodactyla tapetum