Jake - I think Dr. Shimek already answered your question. Quote by Dr. Shimek:
Quote:
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I think that lighting is important to these animals in the real world for one reason. It allows them to get nutrition. If their nutrition needs are adequately met by feeding them, then I don't see any thing wrong with keeping them in an environment that has lower light intensity.
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This issue is really rather simple but we seem intent on making it complicated.
Anemones, as does any life form, require a certain amount of energy to live, grow, and reproduce. Anemones can get this energy from multiple sources:
-source 1 is through feeding, which can be on a broad range of things, some microscopic.
-source 2 is from a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae within their tissues.
It's simple. If they get enough nutrition from source 1 then they don't need source 2.
Most people do not feed their anemones enough - I would venture to guess that most hobbiest grossly underestimate how much these critters can eat. In such situations strong light can help. However, the energy from photosynthesis is not sufficient enough for the animal to grow or repair tissues. (it's junk food - see the cotton candy analogy Dr. Shimek mentions) The anemone needs to feed for that. In fact, I believe the zoox itself needs nitrogen compounds from the host as well (nitrogen compounds are acquired only by "feeding").
I don't think Dr. Shimek is "recommending" any one keep an anemone in low light. He is mearly pointing out that it can be done if the animal is fed properly and can be quite healthy in such an environment.
Bottom line, you want a healthy anemone, feed it.
-Mike