Lighting Help Needed!

[DaneAtkinson]

I am somewhat new to saltwater aquariums. Right now we have a 46-48 gallon bow tank. Last month I bought a 36" T5 HO lighting system that hold 2 T5 HO lights. Currently there is 1 6,500k and 1 Actinic 420 @ 39w per bulb on 10 hours. The max depth to the sand is 18 inches and the light is at most 6 inches from water level. There is no glass or plastic cover blocking the light to pass through. I was wondering if this is enough lighting for a bubble tip anemone, carpet anemone and/or polyps. I have read multiple posts, articles online about watts per gallon, etc. but get mixed reviews. I know metal halide is the way to go but I am not willing to spend the $. Any info would be great. Thanks

 

[little_fish]

Hello and welcome!
I'm sorry to tell you but that light won't be enough to support any photosynthetic animals.

 

[Northstar24]

You're going to need more than a two bulb fixture to keep corals and anemones

Also, anemones are some of the most difficult animals to keep in this hobby, they need an established, mature tank. If they have issues, they are capable of releasing toxins into your tank that are able to kill everything else in the tank

Welcome to the site

 

[Smitty]

Hello and welcome to the site...they've got you covered.

 

[Bifferwine]

Yes, you need at least 4, preferably 6 bulbs if you are going to use T5 lighting. 2 bulbs won't be sufficient.

 

[DaneAtkinson]

Ended up buying a Current Nova Extreme

 

[Northstar24]

Ended up buying a Current Nova Extreme

Excellent choice, that should let you keep anything in the hobby, especially if it is the model with individual reflectors