Starting a BTA tank...

[Neptune 555]

I want to start a BTA tank... Currently I have a 15 year old bow front 48 gallon FOWLR + Mushrooms. FISH: dragon wrasse / valentini puffer / Oscelaris clown / goby. I want to dedicate this tank to a BTA.

What suggestions do you have on light? I have a very old power compact and was thinking of upgrading my lighting. Given I want to keep a BTA can you provide suggestions on lighting options. This tank is in my living room and noise / space is a concern. The cost to buy new bulbs for my tank is going to be around 100.00. The cost of a new LED 3 foot light from Petco is 200.00. My LFS indicates that both options will work for BTA's and showed me an example of BTA's thriving in both environments? comments / experiences welcome! I am looking at the Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED light.

Thanks!
Neptune

 

[Gibsonnnn]

I've used the current marine orbit lighting system and as promising as it sounds, I do not recommend it. Not enough light to successfully sustain a BTA.

 

[m0nkie]

I have Kessils for my lighting and its more than enough for BTA. small and modern looking. Lot of shimmering which makes the tank really nice. If you don't plan on keeping many corals in there, I'd get a Kessil.

look for a used or an older 350 model if you don't want to spend $300+. I think it's much better than most LED

 

[NYCBOB]

+1 on the kessil led.

 

[golferbud101691]

the new orbit pro fixture may be an option. kessil and radions are tried and true. If you are looking to propagate(which i assume you are), why not t5? Not nearly as expensive and a very good growth. But with a 4 bulb fixture, you're monthly and yearly cost should be pretty low.

 

[RobNJ]

+1 on Kessils as well. Amazing lights, controllable, super shimmer and very modern looking. I would recommended the Spectrum Controller. I have two A160we on my BTA tank.

 

[Neptune 555]

Rob, How big is your BTA Tank? Do you think one Kessil could light a 36 inch bow front tank? I could afford one Kessil but not two of them right now? OR I was looking at Ecoxotic Panorama Marine LED Light Fixture. Was thinking that the Ecoxotic would be better then the petco LED light from Coralife.

Neptune

Netune

 

[raythepilot]

I have been using one of these cheap Chinese LEDs for about 6 months and it works great. It is extremely powerful and I have to turn it way down in my 10 gal tank. I'm sure that 2 of these will be ok in your 48 gal tank.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MR-120-LED-...-Spectrum-/111477963308?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0