Lighting question for bta?

[swbeginner]

I have a 30 gallon tank with a 20 gallon sump and a 1*65 watt pc light. I am aware that this is not enough for a bta, but what if I added a 2*65 watt light to it, would 3*65 watt pc be enough? That is basically like having almost 200 watts.

 

[808lazyd]

it would give you close to 200 watts but 200 watts of PC lighting is not the same as 200 watts from an HQI setup or even a T5 setup me personally i would like to see you using at least T5's but plenty of people have had success keeping various anemones and softies. it all comes down to how comfortable you feel trying it.

 

[swbeginner]

I have heard that it is different, but why?

 

[swbeginner]

also, what if I got 2 sets of 2*24 watt t5.

 

[garygb]

If you locate the anemone so it is within a foot of the bulbs and if you have daylight spectrum bulbs, then 3 65-watt pcs should be fine. Likewise, 2 24-watt T-5s should be fine too. Removing acrylic barriers between the water and the bulbs also helps the tank to get the full intensity. With pcs you need to change the bulbs every 8 or 9 months. T-5s last over a year.