New here Lighting question

[gabbie]

Our tank has been up and running 2 months although we are going threw a re cycle now.We started out with underground system and went to a canster with sand. Two power heads. After advise from fish store we purchased 2 coralife 20,000k bulbs, but I noticed on the box they are only 15 watt. Will be be able to get any anemones? I noticed after finding this awesome site that many run much more lighting. Will we need to upgrade our lighting?

 

[bammbamm74]

Gabbie,
How big is the tank? Also, why not get a 20,000K and an actinic? The blue is for some of the deeper water stuff. IF you have a 10 gallon, you'd probably be able to keep an anemone. They like 3-4watts per gallon. But almost all anemones are doomed to start with and only last an average of about 6 months (average, some have better luck). They don't seem to last that long in the aquarium.

 

[gabbie]

I forgot to add its a 55 gallon tank..

 

[bammbamm74]

No way is 30 watts over a 55 going to be enough light for an anemone. You probably can't keep any kind of corals, including mushrooms. Those lights would be good for a Fish Only w/LR tank. FOWLR

 

[gabbie]

Im only running with the hood that came with the tank.Which we were going to upgrade anyhow sooner or later. What hood and lights do you suggest? Any good websites to purchase reasonable?

 

[byrself]

you definately need more lights, especially for an anemone (which are very hard to keep long term, even with the best lights).
alot of people like this site <a href="http://ahsupply.com/index.html" target="_blank">web page</a>
i bought mine off of ----. 4 55w power compacts with hood, 2 ballasts, 2 fans, light sheild, and everything for 250 bucks shipped. that included shipping and the bulbs. do some research and find exactly what you want, there's many options, and then shop around. you'll find you can get some good deals if you look around. need to decide what kinds of corals you want to keep to determine what lights you need. you'll get many different answers from people about which is better, so do your own research and go with what looks to be best for your setup. hope this helps you some.