How much light do Anenomes require?
 

ive never kept anenomes before, and am in the (semi) process of setting up a new tank. how much light do they require?

quick and easy question ;)

thanks in advance :D

As much as possible. MH is much preferred. For a 20-24" deep tank, you can get away with 175w Single Ended MH or 150w Double Ended MH.

Anthony

so you wouldnt need 2 MH bulbs? thank god!lol

now its time to try to track some down.

what's the best way to mount them over the tank? or is it best to just build them into the canopy? the heat created is a concern. and im not so sure about the best way to control the heat in the summer. i dont WANT to have to buy something to help cool the water, but if its needed, then so be it :D

A couple of well placed fans blowing on the water surface will help increase evaporation and in turn lower the water temp.

I'm surprised nobody has asked what kind of anenome?

lol...

umm...i dont know what kind of anenome...

what are the kinds that the clownfish like to play in?lol

(im still learning here!lol. im good with my large south american cichlids, but am still learning all my different marine bits and pieces :D )

Bubble tip anemones (BTAs) and Long Tentacle anemones (LTAs) seem to be the best in terms of surviving in captivity. However, not every clownfish has watched "Nemo" and so some don't realize they're expected to host in an anemone.

lol. i know THAT much (that clowns dont necessarily like anenomes). i was just saying "the ones that clownfish like" because those are the ones that i really like the look of. :D

i know that a lot of clowns are born in captivity, and many will have never even seen an anenome before.hehehe

If you get clowns that don't like anenomes............... They'll just host one of your corals or even a powerhead. :lol:

As a general rule clown fish are relatively easy to keep and don't need an anemone to be happy. Anemone's on the other hand are harder to keep. They do need quite a bit of light and very stable water conditions. If you are just starting out I would hold off on getting an anemone until you are sure that your tank is up and running and stable.
A wandering anemone can easily get caught in a powerhead and completely crash your tank in no time at all.
I have clown fish hosting in Sebae Anemones, RBTA anemone and carpet anemone. OTOH I also have them hosting in Anthelia and Hammer coral (the hammer is not too happy about that):biggrin: There is a link on this site that explains what anemones are natural hosts for certain kinds of clowns
Just my 2 pennies worth.