what's the lighting i need for tank

[gen4real]

I have a 45g tank which i have turned from fresh to saltwater. I would like to get some long tentacle anemone's (1) and also some clown fish and have been told two different things regarding lighting. One shop said i could use a 50/50 set up for the anemone another said i would need the more advance set up that costs about $300. What would be the proper thing to do? I have also read info that you should have the tank set up for several months before adding in the anemone's. We have had the tank for going on 6 weeks have damsels (3), hermit crabs (4), 20lbs of live rock, an emerald crab, a couple of snails, some what seems to be like green mushroom anemone's or soft coral (most likely), and a baby star fish. We have a regular light that came w/ the hood from the original tank and the tank is doing good. I am not sure as to what kind of light is what or if I have given a good enough description but am hoping we can get a light that costs a little less than $300 - 400. Thanks any one who can help!

 

[scsinet]

The proper thing to do is to use something more than 50/50 lighting. Fish stores love to push cheap lighting because they want to make a sale and doubt you'll spend all the money it takes to properly care for anemones.
You want to use either T5 or halide. A 4 lamp, 39w T5 system would probably be okay (marginally, and as long as the anemone is near the top). An 8 lamp, 39w system would let you keep the anemone and anything else you wanted. A 400w halide pendant will also allow you to keep whatever you want and you'll get the shimmer effect, so there are lots of different options.
Beware though that I wouldn't try an anemone at all until your tank has been established for at least one year.

 

[scsinet]

Also, if you want the clownfish to host in the anemone, you need to beware that you need certain anemones for certain clownfish. If you already knew this, sorry, I thought you might be a beginner...

 

[gen4real]

thanks for the help!

i have been reading the info and have seen it will take a while before we should put the anemones in. i have also done some research regarding the clown/anemone relationship. I will definitly save up the cash to but the better lighting for the tank!
Also, if you can help what other fish can i get beside damsels that would liven the tank. The damsels are too mean! And also does it take just as long w/ an aquapod for the anemones?

 

[scsinet]

The length of time has nothing to with the equipment used, it's more than anything else due to the anemone's sensitivity to changes to the water parameters. It takes a good year for a new saltwater tank to really stablize out, especially when the [saltwater] aquarist is new to the game, as it takes you some time to learn about how to keep your system stable.
What do you plan to do with the tank? Are you planning to go reef or fish only? Your direction here largely dictates what type of fish you want.
I'm no fan of Damsels either... pretty fish... and cheap, but man they are punks.

 

[gen4real]

timeframe ... understood. Does it have to be one or the other. Reef or fish can it be a little bit of both. What would be best for a 45g. I know there is a limited amount of space so i can't have too much of anything and the fish choice is limited. I would love the small clownfish. I am looking to have something that's pretty i guess you could say. a little bit of whatever can go together if that makes any sense. I think the goal is to have a happy tank. I really like all the types of inverts there are and all the beautiful colors that are available.