Split Tank

[KimPossible]

I didn't know how to move this thread so i made a new post .

I have a 55 gal tank with 30 lbs LR a male and femail Bartletts Anthia, Majestic Angle, 2 Clowns and 3 Chromus..roughly.
I completely changed from natural lighting to half and half.. You're probably wondering what half and half is.. I have a split generic hood.... I put a 50/50 65k daylight and Actinic 420 Phosphor rfor reef tank combo on one side ....and a high intensity actinic lamp peaking at 420 nm. on the other. (Don't tell anybody I'm reading the side of the box )

I would like to keep a anenomi and possibly a coral or two, but I dont want my tank so dark... so i split in in half ( my ingenous idea ) 1/2 coral 1/2 Reef in a 55.
Is this even feasble??? What about the health of the fish???

Tell me your thoughts

Thanks- Kim

edit: My majestic seems to like it, no one esle much. 1/23 @ 9:25pm

 

[Opcn]

Most corals and pretty much all anenomys available need high lighting so having to keep the tank dark wont be an issue. However you do know how this forum feels about anemonys as a general rule right, also how big do those anthias get? they may be to large for your 55G soon

 

[KimPossible]

Yeah, I got a whiff accidently when i read a debate between Nav, and a sea horse breeder. I guess it happened 1and 1/2 weeks ago, but anyways . I read it after I this. Makes sense.

Here is what I want. I want to build an environment that makes my fish happy.

I don't mind going slow, I dont mind learning, i am a very patient person. My philoshophy...Dont do it if your not going to do it right.

The beauty in these tanks are beyond explanation. Not only that, they calm me in a way i've never felt before. I just sit and look at my LR.for hours, not to mention the fish and clean up crew.
I know I'll do another larger tank in a year or so. And i'll probably do a reef only. Maybe moove the fish into the bigger tank.

OK, I need direction. I knew my lighting was an issue. It was an issue when i only had natural lighting. Now i've got the split There is only 1 -18" bulb on each side. And what I need is to run them both across the entire tank.

Upgrade my hood. OK

I was told and read that my anthias will only get 3-4" in adulthood. this is a good size fish for my tank....no?

 

[Navarre]

Oooh! you have Bartletts Lovely fish, one of the most beautiful ones IMO and actually quite hardy when compared to some of the other relly fancy anthias. I am considering some also but they do command a high price tag over here. THough i have found 2 outlets that will do them extremly cheaply so i assume the high prices are just greedy shop owners

Basically if you follow your own guidleines then going slow and getting it right first time is a good things. if that is true then why not go for a halide over the tank? a single 150w would be more than enough and you will have no more issues with what will do well under the light or not as its strong enough to look after them all.

 

[KimPossible]

So far, i need to look into a 4x65 watt compact florecent..... and a halide over the tank with a single 150w.

Reaserching.... I'll post what my LFS gives me as pro's and con's

Kim

 

[Navarre]

No no... if you have the halide you wont need the flourescents

 

[Opcn]

Over a 4 foot tank I'm not sure a single light sourche would do it. Kim, assumeing you not going for deep sea anemonys or delicate fish like seahorses or suncorals you wont need a low light section, what makes a tank a reef is the coral, no coral=not a reefso you'll want the whole thing to be a reef, and the whole thing to have powerful lighting.

P,S, don't get seahorses

 

[Navarre]

Sorry, didnt realise the tank was 4ft. my tank spare tank of roughly the same size (40 Uk gallons) is 3ft long and 22inches deep. A single halide over this would be fine.
for a 4ft tank 2x 150 would be better. I could easily direct to a supplier over here in the UK that could do this for under £150 but in the USA is not relly my territory sorry )

 

[KimPossible]

no seahorses !
I have just begun to research live coral, however, i am getting my tank ready to being able to accept these wonderful creatures. What ever will be condusive to the setup i am stablishing including what will be compatable with the existing fish and cleaning crew i have now.
I'm not putting any live coral in until it's ready.

YOu guys are great! I cant tell you how i begged on other forum sites for any communication and advice.

Kim

 

[Navarre]

We all started somewhere Kim, Never feela question is too stupid or embarrassing. Its these very questioned taht get asked every day but they also need answering every day. i hope that you find the advise here from its members helpful to you.

 

[KimPossible]

Absoulutly Yes !