RBTA's (or others for that matter) need MH lighting?

[sir_dudeguy]

hey, just wondering if RBTAs or other anemones need to have metal halide lighting. I've got a 55 w/about 384 watts of pc (whatever a 4x96 adds up to lol) and i really like those RBTA's. Would my light be sufficient for one or no? I wouldnt be getting one right now i dont think because for one i dont have the money, and for 2 the tank has only been up since like feb. or march.

thanks
mike

 

[slcw]

It depends on the height of your aquarium. The height would influence the purchasing decision. As Mh is capable of penetrating light deeper than other lamps.

Plus the clarity of the water helps the penetration of light. (Using activiated carbon, skimming and nutrient export via water change will help)

from where i come from, it is more economical to employ MH as Mh is presummed to have a longer life span compared to FL tubes or T5HO.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

ya i know MH's have a much stronger punch into the water. its just a standard 55...so idk what the hight is..prolly like 17 or something? Do you think that my light could handle one tho?

 

[slcw]

based on watts per Gallon...it sounds fine.
remember to exclude the watts from actinic.

best get a 2nd opinion on this matter as i am not familiar with pc lightings.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

why exclude actinics? i know that they dont give out the 10K but i've heard people saying that you do count the actinics in there.

 

[slcw]

they have little contribution towards the requirements of corals / invertebrates based on my readings and discussion in marine depot forum.

 

[ChunksInClemson]

I say you have enough lighting. BTA's are one of the least light requiring species so I think you're more than fine! I only have 260 watts on my 90 and my BTA's love it. Go for it! Just make sure your tank is really stable. I would include actinics, they give off wattage just like daylights do.

 

[dantodd]

the dinoflagellates that live inside the anemone live by photosynthesis and contribute to the anemones food requirements. There is very little PAR (photosynthetically available radiation) in actinic bulbs so they don't really help the anemone.

 

[lt34]

I'm glad I'm reading this. The lfs told me the Actinic penatrate better so use more.

 

[Amphiprion]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7987239#post7987239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lt34
I'm glad I'm reading this. The lfs told me the Actinic penatrate better so use more.

They do penetrate better, however, they are not as useful for photosynthetic purposes (merely a supplement). Full spectrum bulbs will provide more useable light.

 

[slcw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7987239#post7987239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lt34
I'm glad I'm reading this. The lfs told me the Actinic penatrate better so use more.

it does. the lfs is correct, BUT...like what dantodd said...in layman no strength - little benefit.

have u wonder why the sea looks green or blue ?
have u wonder why plants are green?

plants are green, because they absorb the red and blue UV light and reflect back the green and that is y they are green.

similarly, the red uv rays are lost almost instantly when the rays penetrate the water, as the light goes deeper, the green is lost and leaving the blue....

aaaaiiii......interesting right?

cheers

 

[Jeanniee]

Check out the T5 thread in lighting. T5's have better penetration than MH based on Grim's testing of different lights.

 

[raoul]

http://www.freewebs.com/karenssaltwater/

This site is by a woman on RC, it's a very comprehensive sight, has lots of answers and pictures. It's dedicated to BTA's. It seems she has a particular fondness for the roses

It's a sight I've seen recommended to many considering bta's for their aquarium. I've been reading it myself since I'd like to get one, but my tank won't be ready until Dec at the earliest. This is a hobby that teaches patience for sure!

Thank you for researching this before just jumping in, you've increased your chances of being successful, which is not only good for you, but great for the nem!

 

[nickterp]

Based on what i've read from wetwebmedia.com (alot of great advice there, its where Bob Fenner gives out advice) your PC lighting of 4 * 96 should definitely be enough.

I saw specifically for a 55 gallon tank that 220 watts of PC lighting would be the "bare minimum", so you want to stay away form that little amount of light. But you're well above it.

You should probably still supplement with occasional feedings. They would do better under halides, but its not necessary.

Should be a great tank for the BTA, make sure that your conditions are stable and pick out a really good looking one at the store. Look up online how to pick out a healthy specimen.

Good luck!

 

[bajabum]

460 nm light (blue) is intense even compared to MH. BTA will stay compact and bubble tipped under them. I like them to spread out (better water/gas exchange) so I include a MH near them and limit the 460 nm. Food and water quality are more important than light. They eat a lot. I feed a little every day so I don't spike my tanks with occasional bing feedings. I can herd them around the tank by switching bulbs.

 

[clord]

Would your bta bleach if there wasn't enough light or just die?

 

[dantodd]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7989448#post7989448 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bajabum
460 nm light (blue) is intense even compared to MH. BTA will stay compact and bubble tipped under them. I like them to spread out (better water/gas exchange) so I include a MH near them and limit the 460 nm. Food and water quality are more important than light. They eat a lot. I feed a little every day so I don't spike my tanks with occasional bing feedings. I can herd them around the tank by switching bulbs.

That is very different advice than that recommended by most anemone keepers here.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

You should probably still supplement with occasional feedings. They would do better under halides, but its not necessary.

yes, i would of course feed it. What exactly would i feed it? just krill? I've heard people say something about silversides..what are those? arent those the little fish that come in cans at like walmart lol?

 

[slcw]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7990036#post7990036 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sir_dudeguy
yes, i would of course feed it. What exactly would i feed it? just krill? I've heard people say something about silversides..what are those? arent those the little fish that come in cans at like walmart lol?

small pieces of feedings are recommended

like mysis shrimp

as you see there are differing opinions in terms of the care of anemone, such as lighting , flow, etc....example I would be say MH would be recommended as they are more economical as the bulb can last much longer (this is in my country hence u would have to see the quality of the bulb and the price) note there are other reasons too and remember the is cons to every option, even MH

and intensity it provides are strong. However care must be taken if the anemone was from lfs or other tank which the lightings lower, a sudden switch without acclimation would shock the invertebrate.

I would recommend researching more to decide what would be the best care required for the anemone. For starters I would recommend reading the BTA's FAQs at www.wetwebmedia.com

cheers

 

[sir_dudeguy]

I would be say MH would be recommended as they are more economical as the bulb can last much longer (this is in my country hence u would have to see the quality of the bulb and the price)

yes they would be better i know, but they're not an option right now, so i was just wondering if they'd grow with what i've got...if not, i'll look for something else.