Thinking about BTA, What are lighting requirements

[ReefKnot]

Hi, I'm thinking about getting a bubble tip sometime down the line, but I was wondering if someone could tell me if my lighting is good, or will I need to get stronger bulbs. I have a 29g, it's 18" deep, and my current lighting is

24" T5 HO light with 420/460nm(24W) and 1000K(24W) Lamps.

Rated Voltage: 120 Volt AC
Rated Cycle: 60 Hz
Power Factor: 0.55
Input Current: 0.69A
Total Wattage: 48W
Tc: Max 167o F

 

[thefurrywarrior]

I am not the expert on this, hopefully Todd will chime in. But first off a 29 gallon is about the smallest size tank you would even think about putting one in. I have a BTA in my 55 reef and have had enough "stressful" events with it to make me want to urge anyone to think twice before getting one. Luckily it has all worked out thus far. They are very cool if you are able to keep one. Also, I would say that with that lighting it would survive but not flourish by any means. I would probably add another strip or 2 to that t5 setup. But again, I am not an expert by any means so I would wait to see if more experienced reefers are in agreement with me.

 

[photokid]

you only have two bulbs? you might want to upgrade before getting a BTA.

 

[ReefKnot]

Alright thanks guys, I'll keep that in mind. I was a bit unsure of whether I would get one. I dont want to get one if it will not be a great environment for it.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Does your fixture have individual reflectors?

 

[ReefKnot]

No I think they are just in one box.... My LFS said it would be enough, and he's a close friend as well, so I trust him, but I was looking for second opinions. If I were to get an anemone, it will be at least 6 months away. And I'm planning on getting a really small one, but would it be smart to look into a third light?

 

[Toddrtrex]

I wouldn't attempt it, but if you were going to do that, I would, at least, get 2 daylight bulbs. But, yes, I would look into, at least, a thread light.

Why would you want to get a really small one? If you plan on having it host clown(s) you would want it to be at least 3 times the size of the clowns. Clowns have been known to "love to death" smaller anemones.

 

[ReefKnot]

the ones at my LFS are all small.... I live in a pretty out of the way community, theres not a whole lot of options... I would have to get it small and let it grow....

 

[njlpowell]

With those lights i would say you would have to put that nem up pretty high. Jmo.

Sent from my Galaxy S using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Toddrtrex]

If you do have to get a small one, make sure to keep the clown(s) away from it until it is larger.

 

[ReefKnot]

I was actually planning on having the anemone about 8" below the lights..... and I was thinking I'd use a strawberry quart basket to keep the clowns off of it