New here, but not as new to Saltwater fish...

[LoneGreyWolf20]

I for a time had a saltwater fish tank, but circumstances of life made me stop the hobby. Now, almost 5 years out, I am coming back into it. Since I have been out of it for 5 years, I was wondering if there has been any advancements on the lighting front.

I am looking to start up another salt tank. It will be mostly fish, but am looking to get a carpet anemone. The tank will be a 55 gallon aquarium, probably with a Eheim wet/dry filter.

I have had a carpet anemone before, but not the greatest of lighting. I had it in a 46 gallon bow front with an actinic blue and 10k light bulbs. It lived, but not as I would think that it would. I am unable to get into metal halide and the like as it's rather expensive. This is what I am looking at getting:

Aquarium | Compact Fluorescent | Lunar Aqualight - Double - 48 in. - ES0905 - ThatPetPlace.com

Would this be good enough for a carpet anenome?

[bobby]

I would say no, for anemones you need atleast 6 watt per gal. This light is only alittle over four wpg. If your wanting metal halides but cant afford them check ebay for used ones or a retro fit kit you could get a retro for a litlle over 100.00. Here is a link if your a diy person for making a m/h light and it cost about 100.00 for everything.
http://www.aquarium.union.rpi.edu/articles/DIY_MH.html

[bobby]

Here let me try that link again.

http://aquarium.union.rpi.edu/articles/DIY_MH.html

[bobby]

Ok it worked that time. Hope you enjoy.

[bobby]

Also if you want to go t5 I know these will be enough. I been to this guys house when he had his tank set up and it was nice. In the tank he had 1 clam 2 anemones and several other corals all doing fine in this light.

eBay

[LoneGreyWolf20]

Originally Posted by bobby

I would say no, for anemones you need atleast 6 watt per gal. This light is only alittle over four wpg. If your wanting metal halides but cant afford them check ebay for used ones or a retro fit kit you could get a retro for a litlle over 100.00. Here is a link if your a diy person for making a m/h light and it cost about 100.00 for everything.
http://www.aquarium.union.rpi.edu/articles/DIY_MH.html

Not really a DIY type of person. Somethings I can, but this looks a little rough for me.

I will check into Ebay.

[LoneGreyWolf20]

Originally Posted by bobby

Also if you want to go t5 I know these will be enough. I been to this guys house when he had his tank set up and it was nice. In the tank he had 1 clam 2 anemones and several other corals all doing fine in this light.

eBay

Okay, I looked into the t5's.

I'm guessing that the 48" one that's $199 would also be too small.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113175

The next one is $400 and above my price range. I have to think about everything else that I need. I have the tank, but I need a stand, the glass to put under the light, the filter, salt, rock, and the sand.

I realize that this is an expensive hobby, but I am trying to save as much money as I possibly can.

[bobby]

Yes thats the same ones I was talking about. They will be good. On t5s you cant go buy the wpg becuase they give off more light. That guy I was talking about, his are 216 watts and he was keeping 2 anemones and 1 clam and several other corals in a 55.

[bobby]

I dont blame you on trying to save money, this hobby is very expensive. If your wanting to buy the lights now the ones on ebay only have 3 hours left, there 4 months old and the price is at 135.00. If intrested go to the fish page click time ending soonest and ther right there on the first page. I was wanting to buy these for my 55 when I start it but my job is closing so I need to save my money right now. If you want brand new then the ones a drfostersmith will be fine.

[Bifferwine]

I have a 55 gallon and am running T5s, I got mine at Champion Lighting & Supply you should check them out. They are much cheaper than halides and you can keep most stuff under them.