lighting for my bta

[AMETHYST212]

ok i have a 6g marineland tank and it had the stock lighting.
my husband recently changed the lighting to a hagen powerglo light
it is an 8W t-5 and gives off 18000K very close to the ble spectrum.
is this ok for my bubble tip anemone.

the labeling of the light says that it is for invertebrate use.

 

[dominuslive]

Hi Evelynn, Sorry to inform you, no this light is completely inadequate. First, the tank is to small. Second, the fluctuations in the tank will be to much. Third, you need from 3 - 5 watts per gallon of light for this anemone, which will get bigger then the tank, if it could survive in one. And for growth you would want 10k bulbs, anything higher then that is for your viewing pleasure. Yes 18k can support life, but an 8w bulb on a 6 gal tank is not going to. Try a 18 watt compact flouresant bulb, but I warn you, that light will heat up your water to fast, and when the light goes out, the water will drop in temp to fast. Anemones like stable water conditions, no fluctuations. One temp constantly, buy a chiller, about $300 -$500 for that size tank, or lose the BTA. There are species of Ricordea that will do nicely in your 6 gal mini reef, they are much hardier, but still require more light then you have. If you want your current light go with feather dusters. Also, read Wetwebmedia.com before buying anything else, and never listen to the fish store.

 

[nccoastal]

what they said. :duh:

 

[DansMarineTank]

also the 6G is not big enough to support a BTA in my oppion i have one thats a foot accross. You are also going to get a great deal of evaporation on that tank if you upgrade the lights