LPS Coral vs Anemone Lighting Dilemma

accel · 03/27/2018, 10:51 AM

I have 40G breeder tank. This is more of curiousity-type question in regards to the anemone. I have beginner LPS corals from WWC. They work great with my dual Kessil 160 lights but only at a maximum of 25%-30%. Anything more than that and they start bleaching. They are placed at the sand level (bottom most). Now let's say I get a long tentacle anemone (not a bubble tip anemone) (after 5 months from now), I believe that 30% strength from two Kessils might not be enough for the anemone (he will be on the sand instead on the rocks).

Is my assumption wrong?

If I am correct, how do I increase the intensity of the light without bleaching those other corals and still giving a good intensity to the anemone assuming they are at the sand level?Lights are placed around 6 to 8 inches (rough estimate) above the water level.

Uncle99 · 03/27/2018, 11:19 AM

I am thinking if the intensity from your Kessils at 25-30% supports LPS on the upper end of their needs, the LTA will be fine....as you know he can move himself so he will wander until he finds a spot he likes....correct....LTA will stay on the bottom....

In the worst case, you may have to increase one of the lights intensity moderately.

accel · 03/27/2018, 11:33 AM

Thanks Uncle99

Uncle99 · 03/27/2018, 11:48 AM

As a side note, if you plan to add corals in the future, it's better to get the nem settled first so he does not take out some in his initial wandering time....

Enjoy and have fun!

03/27/2018, 10:51 AM	#1
accel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 110	LPS Coral vs Anemone Lighting Dilemma I have 40G breeder tank. This is more of curiousity-type question in regards to the anemone. I have beginner LPS corals from WWC. They work great with my dual Kessil 160 lights but only at a maximum of 25%-30%. Anything more than that and they start bleaching. They are placed at the sand level (bottom most). Now let's say I get a long tentacle anemone (not a bubble tip anemone) (after 5 months from now), I believe that 30% strength from two Kessils might not be enough for the anemone (he will be on the sand instead on the rocks). Is my assumption wrong? If I am correct, how do I increase the intensity of the light without bleaching those other corals and still giving a good intensity to the anemone assuming they are at the sand level?Lights are placed around 6 to 8 inches (rough estimate) above the water level.

03/27/2018, 11:19 AM	#2
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	I am thinking if the intensity from your Kessils at 25-30% supports LPS on the upper end of their needs, the LTA will be fine....as you know he can move himself so he will wander until he finds a spot he likes....correct....LTA will stay on the bottom.... In the worst case, you may have to increase one of the lights intensity moderately.

03/27/2018, 11:33 AM	#3
accel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 110	Thanks Uncle99

03/27/2018, 11:48 AM	#4
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	As a side note, if you plan to add corals in the future, it's better to get the nem settled first so he does not take out some in his initial wandering time.... Enjoy and have fun!