T5 and anemones?

[crhawkeye]

I am looking to purchase a 8 x 80 watt T5 fixture that does have independent reflectors, my tank is 120 gal 5ft and is 24" deep. Will I have a problem with supporting anemones with a T5, or do they require MH. There is a MH that is available for approx the same price but it is a cheaper brand and I question not only that but also the long term expense. Opinions are welcome.

 

[fishfreak1242]

If the bulbs go by 80w then you are going to have a really hard time trying to find bulbs considering that T-5s go by 55w.

 

[perfectdark]

A HO T5 bulb doesn not come in anything longer than 4' and they are 54 watts each. After that they use 2 shorter bulbs to make the length they need for a longer fixture. EG. A 6' fixture would utilize 2 3' bulbs which are 39watts each. I am assuming this is what the OP is referring to. If this is the case then depending on what species of anemone your considering yes you can keep some types of anemones.

 

[wattsupdoc]

WRONG!

you can get 80 watters, they're like 60" jobbers something like that I forget exactly. They are just not as common and much fewer choices. But they're out there. You will be fine for anything you want IMO. As long as you use good quality bulbs.

 

[wangotango]

There are actually 60" T5ho lamps that are 80w each, check "the geek."
If you we're using decent bulbs you should be fine, but if you were using the Icecap retro which IC ballasts that will overdrive the bulbs to around 100w each the sky's the limit as far as what you could keep IMO.
-Justin

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
http:///forum/post/2625269
There are actually 60" T5ho lamps that are 80w each, check "the geek."
If you we're using decent bulbs you should be fine, but if you were using the Icecap retro which IC ballasts that will overdrive the bulbs to around 100w each the sky's the limit as far as what you could keep IMO.
-Justin
Well now I stand corrected... but... I did say your all set with keeping pretty much everything...

 

[turningtim]

Doc and Wango!

But I don't think you get as big a boost out of the 60" bulbs as you do with the 48" bulbs from an Ice Cap ballast. I think the max you get is maybe 90 possibly 95 out of a 60".
Right now I'm pulling 311w from a IC660 with 4 x54w bulbs.....
Tim

 

[crhawkeye]

I will try to pick anemones that require med lighting like a long tentacle as apposed to a carpet. Although a carpet is what I was hoping for. Your opinion on this anyone?
P.S. The first couple replys here really did surprise me. Just laughing it off.

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by crhawkeye
http:///forum/post/2625613
I will try to pick anemones that require med lighting like a long tentacle as apposed to a carpet. Although a carpet is what I was hoping for. Your opinion on this anyone?
P.S. The first couple replys here really did surprise me. Just laughing it off.

You have the 2 mixed up.
LTA's are high light demanding anemones, they prefer to reside on the sand bed, so IMO if your not considering MH lights for a tank that is 24" deep I wouldnt get an LTA.
A carpet anemone would work they accept a larger variety of lighting, from HOT5's, VHO Flourescents to MH.

 

[crhawkeye]

Hm, interesting, even this site recommends MH for carpets. I also have 2 other sites that list the long tentacle as moderate lighting and the carpet as a high lighting need. Although this is the only site that does specifically state MH within the description of the invert and that is why I started this thread.

 

[michaeltx]

both the LTA and carpet will benifit from MH lighting. as far as if T-5 is enough for an LTA I am sure and more than likely a carpet aswell. T-5;s par is up there with MH lighting. I have a recue LTA in my tank now so I waiting to see if it will regain its health and do alright under teh T-5s.
I would honestly stay away from the carpets though. its not a anemone that I will recomend for anyone. They can and will eat fish even some you think would be able to get away from them like tangs and wrasses. They also get rather large.
Mike

 

[bkvreef]

Originally Posted by crhawkeye
http:///forum/post/2625613
I will try to pick anemones that require med lighting like a long tentacle as apposed to a carpet. Although a carpet is what I was hoping for. Your opinion on this anyone?
P.S. The first couple replys here really did surprise me. Just laughing it off.
I have a 110 (or did, I'm trying to sell it),I have 3 x 80watt on there now and have a condi and a bubble tip along with bubble coral and frogspawn corals and they have all thrived!!!
My tank is only 18" deep though. I love the t-5's
Good Luck

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by MichaelTX
http:///forum/post/2626733
both the LTA and carpet will benifit from MH lighting. as far as if T-5 is enough for an LTA I am sure and more than likely a carpet aswell. T-5;s par is up there with MH lighting. I have a recue LTA in my tank now so I waiting to see if it will regain its health and do alright under teh T-5s.
I would honestly stay away from the carpets though. its not a anemone that I will recomend for anyone. They can and will eat fish even some you think would be able to get away from them like tangs and wrasses. They also get rather large.
Mike
Unless your planning on teks or aquatinics with good bulbs and individual reflectors IMO I dont agree. The par T-5s put out is equal to MH I dont dispute that, but that par value at a depth 24" or over using T5's starts to fall off, where as MH still penetrate sufficiently. JMO

 

[crhawkeye]

Michael, keep me informed on how that anemone does under your T5, lets see how it recovers. How deep is your tank?

 

[michaeltx]

my tank is 22 inches deep. I dont think this would be a good trial though.
if the anemone doesnt make it then it could be contributed to being so bleached and uncared for before I get it. If it makes then yeah it would prove the they can do well under the t-5.
just have to wait and see though so far its doing great though other than its stil horribly bleached out.
here is a picture of it.
Mike