lighting on 20T

[costa13]

Right now i have a Power Compact with 2x65w bulbs on a 20T. I was wondering is it strong enough for anemoes and most corals? Or should I upgrade to a 150w metal halide with actinics?
Thanks

 

[hahnmeister]

A 4x24wattT5 setup would improve your lighting (much more output per watt than PC... more than 3x) IF you think you need improvement. the other major improvement is the bulb life of T5s... they last a good 2-3x longer than a PC bulb.

FWIW, 2x65wattPCs, as long as the bulbs are replaced frequently, are enough for many corals and anemones. Green BTAs or even Rose Anemones would be fine under that light.

 

[costa13]

really! Other people have told me it is not strong enough for anenomes.

 

[hahnmeister]

Rose and Green BTAs are relatively low-light anemones compared to most. Condy, carpet, etc... yeah... they need more... but they are also too large for a 20g... so Id say try a Green (pink tips they are also called) BTA... they are very hardy and will let you know if they arent getting enough light (climbing to the top with tentacles reaching for the light). If they are happy, or getting too much... they will move themselves as needed.

 

[costa13]

what about corals can I keep LPS and SPS corals, muschrooms, and polpys with my light?

 

[costa13]

also would it help me if I bought a 150w MH with actinics? or would it be worse because it is to strong?