Proper Lighting for anenomes

[Fitch]

Hey guys, im fairly new to the saltwater scene. I am very interested in keeping anenomes in the tank, i recently picked up the fiji and branch rock and anenomes and coral would be the perfect addition. What could i do for lighting here, the tank is high so i think im gonna need a powerful light, how expensive yo uthink it would be? Also, do anenomes eat anything or do they just use the light. Thanx! Im in ct,i noticed some people are, get back to me so u can help me out! I can email u a pic of the tank because i dont know how to putr it on the forum

 

[Boogiechillin]

Fitch, what size is the tank? This helps us ballpark an approximate wattage that would be appropriate. Generally speaking, anemones need a LOT of light, and they really shouldn't go into a new tank. Their survival rate is quite poor, but it's better under strong lighting in established (eg, 6-12 month old) tanks. You would be much better off sticking with soft corals for now and contemplating anemones later on down the road.

 

[gcvt]

Hi Fitch, and welcome to AC!

Just out of curiosity, are you looking to keep anemones because they are so interesting themselves, or are you looking to get one as a host for a clownfish?

 

[Fitch]

well im looking for both those reasons, if i get ones thats stable enough then maybe i could invest in a couple nice clowns, but i like it just on its on. It is a 45 gallon tank, but its high, maybe like 3 feet high, kinda werid, i cna send u a pic becuae i cant put it on the forums.

 

[slipknottin]

i can put the picture up here for you, email it to me at andrewdysonhockey@yahoo.com

 

[slipknottin]

 

[Fitch]

didnt work, and i still dont know about the light

 

[JohnMemorialHS]

I know they require LOTS of light, but how many watts per gallon? I know it's not a good way to describe, but it should be good enough.

 

[slipknottin]

it was working for a couple days..... did you edit the site the picture was on?

you cant do watts/gallon. Different lights have different output per watt, and if an anemone or coral requires 16000 lumens to reach its photosynthesizing limit, it doesnt matter how large or small the tank is, as long as its getting that amount of light.

meaning if you put it in a 1 gallon tank with 100 watts... if that light is only 11000 lumens it wont be enough light.. even 100 watts/gallon.

 

[JohnMemorialHS]

how would one know how much lumen is being given off in a tank?