metal halides

[Chiro]

Can someone please tell me what part of the spectrum metal halides emphasize, and why they are recommended for anemones?

 

[Anonymous]

It depends on the color rating of the individual bulb, measured in Kelvins, with 6500 - 20,000 being the standard range. 6500k being yellow - 20,000k being blue. Metal halides are more recommended for their intensity (higher wattages), than their color.

What size tank do you have?

 

[Chiro]

Rover,

I've got a 50G with 10 small fish and 2 Macrodactyl anemones. Lighting thus far (1 mo.) has been only the ambient lighting in the room. The anemones have migrated to the brightest side of the tank and I'd prefer not to have them move again. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help

 

[Len]

Ambient lighting isn't sufficient for hosting anemones like M.doorensis. The fact they've sought out the brightest part of the tank says they are seeking more light. Depending on how much and how long ambient light hits the tank, you can get away with 2-4 power compacts or VHOs instead of halides. Halides, of course, is preferred because of their light intensity.

 

[Anonymous]

You could probably get by with power compacts on that tank. How long is it?

 

[Chiro]

You could probably get by with power compacts on that tank. How long is it?

The tank is 30"X20"X20"

This is really dmb,but what are power compacts?

This AM I installed a 4 foot 40W "daylight". Other bulb options were:
"warm white" or "cool white".

 

[MLVA123]

Chiro, Check out this link:

http://www.reefs.org/library/article/metal_halide.html

Good reading.