Lighting for anemones

[Jerry W]

I'm sure there are a lot of variables to this but what would be considered good lighting to keep say e. quadricolor. I'm setting up a new 37 column, who's chief residents will be a pair of ocellaris. what would be the optimal lighting for this tank?
Thanks! also, if there are other more suitable anems for these fish would the same lighting apply?

 

[rssjsb]

What are the dimensions - specifically, the height, of this tank? My experience with BTAs is that they are pretty tolerant of a wide variety of lighting types. I've kept them under T-5s, halides, and LEDs.

 

[Jerry W]

What are the dimensions - specifically, the height, of this tank? My experience with BTAs is that they are pretty tolerant of a wide variety of lighting types. I've kept them under T-5s, halides, and LEDs.

I've also heard this about BTAs. The tank is 25 high (18 deep and 20 long).

 

[rssjsb]

On a tank that deep, I think your best bet is halides.

I would build a pillar or bommie of rock right up the center and let the nem find the depth where it's happy.

You could probably do LEDs too, as long as you have enough of them. I think it would be really nice to have several BTAs on the bommie (assuming this is a species tank). Halides or LEDs would get more light down to the middle of the pile, allowing several to get what they need at different depth.

 

[bradleym]

I have the same tank. I put 146w total in PC over the tank and my BTAs are doing well in the top half of the tank. I would recommend a similar wattage of T5 (with individual bulb reflectors) or MH for that tank as the light would penetrate deeper. If you go LED, 150w equivalent would probably be good. And IMO, if you went over 150 some it wouldn't hurt anything either. Just don't slap a 400w MH on there and call it good LOL.

 

[Jerry W]

On a tank that deep, I think your best bet is halides.

I would build a pillar or bommie of rock right up the center and let the nem find the depth where it's happy.

You could probably do LEDs too, as long as you have enough of them. I think it would be really nice to have several BTAs on the bommie (assuming this is a species tank). Halides or LEDs would get more light down to the middle of the pile, allowing several to get what they need at different depth.

I have the same tank. I put 146w total in PC over the tank and my BTAs are doing well in the top half of the tank. I would recommend a similar wattage of T5 (with individual bulb reflectors) or MH for that tank as the light would penetrate deeper. If you go LED, 150w equivalent would probably be good. And IMO, if you went over 150 some it wouldn't hurt anything either. Just don't slap a 400w MH on there and call it good LOL.

Great info! Thanks so much. In the 12+ years I've been in this hobby, I've always wanted a pair of clowns and a host anemone. I've had lots of clowns but I'm thinking this is a nice tank to devote to having this pairing. Now to investigate lighting options. I really like pendant or those clip on fixtures, (if they make them in the correct wattage). I'll be back with more questions.

 

[rssjsb]

Have fun!

FWIW, the clip-ons are kind of a pain in my experience. It can be a challenge to get them pointing where you want them, especially with only 18" to work with front-to-back. Pendants look nicer, too.

 

[new tank]

I have a viper clip on and love it. it comes with a cooling fan and in 150 W as well as 250 W. I have a pair of clowns and a gbta and all are doing well under the 150 in a 30 long.

 

[Jerry W]

How would this fixture work? Saw one today and it appeared very nice! Super bright and nice mix of blue/white.

http://marineland.com/sites/marineland/products/Detail.aspx?id=3430

 

[Curious George]

The Marine Land LED series are not appropriate for reef tanks IMHO. Mostly in part due to the LEDs being only 1 watt each giving you a much lower PAR especially in a deeper tank. I think that a minimum of 2 watts (3 watts ideal) per LED is about right. You might be disappointed if you spend your money on that fixture.

 

[Jerry W]

The Marine Land LED series are not appropriate for reef tanks IMHO. Mostly in part due to the LEDs being only 1 watt each giving you a much lower PAR especially in a deeper tank. I think that a minimum of 2 watts (3 watts ideal) per LED is about right. You might be disappointed if you spend your money on that fixture.

Appreciate that! I was kind of thinking it wouldn't do the trick but wanted to hear opinions. Thanks!