anenome lighting

[guinness26]

do anenomes need special lighting? I have a flourescent fixture can i buy a certain tube for them or do i need MH? Thanks..
PS i dont have an anemome yet so dont worry, just trying to get some info before i buy.

 

[nycbob]

u will need mh or t5 to ensure their vitality.

 

[lion_crazz]

Very strong lighting is a necessity for anemones. A new, much more powerful, fixture will be needed.

 

[guinness26]

ok thanks thats all i needed to know..well not really., I have no experience in lighting so can someone help me out with the bare minimum(cheapest) lighting i need for an anenome and maybe a clam and some coral. Like what wattage do i need? I have a 55gal tank..THanks alot

 

[lion_crazz]

I would shoot for at least (1) 150 watt metal halide, as well as some supplemental power compacts or VHO's.

 

[nycbob]

make sure ur tank has been up for at least 5-6 months. i like t5 bc it runs cool and gets better coverage. the cheapest model i hv seen is nova extreme 4x39w. runs for about $150.

 

[guinness26]

ok cool thanks..i will check them out...yeah im not getting any coral or anything delicate for a few months..im gonna make sure im fully cycled and stabilized before i get anything like that..im in no rush..i always had agressive large tanks..not to sure what to get for a 55gal community tank..any ideas? Im thinking a flame angel, and some clowns..any tangs i can get? Thanks again

 

[guinness26]

also i never was able to get any inverts so im pretty new to them too..what should i get? how many snails and hermit crabs? maybe a small starfish and some shrimp? i really like the porcelain crabs. How long should i wait to get them? After the cycle is done?Thaks alot to eveyone who helps.

 

[guinness26]

hey lion crazz..i once had a fuzzy lion..they are really cool..are they reef safe?

 

[dennis210]

For your 55 gal try a outer orbit with 150 Mh fixtures(2) and CF liughting
but don't choke when ya see the price - you said anemone's and clams so you might as well get past sticker shock and "git'r dun".

 

[guinness26]

dennis thanks for the idea but i aint looking to spend a grand on lights..im sure there great but i can do without the clams if thats what i need...can anyone else come up with a cheaper solution? thanks

 

[v8eater]

I kept both of them in a 55gal with 440watts of vho's, that would be 4X110watt bulbs measuring 46.5in must have good water quality and filtration.

 

[zoa_kid]

when it comes to lighting, I would try to save up as much as I could to get a quality lighting that would not need upgrades. I think i speak for a lot of us that has been in your situation. Don't get the bare minimum as you will always be looking to upgrade in this hobby. In my opinion, for your 55 gallon, you will be spending about $350 for a decent/nice lighting system.
I would look into getting a T5 HO 2X54 watt retro-fit kit and 1 x 250 watt MH.
hope that helps