What lighting for a 40B?

[jcovercash]

I am setting up a 40B for my mother. Last thing left to get is lighting. The tanks dimensions are 36x18x18.

It will mainly be a softie/LPS tank, with possibly a few pieces of SPS and a clam or two.


I am going to go all T5's, so please don't suggest an option with Halides.


My main question is, should I get here a fixture with 4 bulbs or 6? I don't want to get 6 if its going to be too much for the softies.


Josh

[aquaman67]

Six bulbs won't be too much IMO. You can always use extra actinic bulbs if you think it's too bright. I like the pop that actinic bulbs give. Some think they are too blue.

[shroutk3]

I have a 40 breeder with a tek 4 bulb unit. I don't think I'm lacking any light. Its a shallow tank, so I think a 6 bulb would be overkill. Having good reflectors is just as important as more bulbs.

[whyamisofly]

4 bulb with good reflectors will suffice to keep everything.

[DC_40gallon]

I have a 40 breeder and I have perfect lighting IMO with a Current USA PC
http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_powercompact_compact-fluorescent_current-usa_satellite_sunpaq_fixtures-ap.html

I'm using the 36inch "D" configuration

Works great.

While I am here, I'll ask the lighting question - knowing what I am using, would it be overkill to add another one since there is plenty of room at the top?

That would be 4 96watt bulbs.

I cannot remember the correct rule of thumb for watts vs gallons ratio for reef tanks.

[subielover]

I also have a 40 breeder mixed reef but a bunch of sps mostly. I have the 6 x 39 t5's and couldn't be happier with both growth and coloration. Definitely cannot go wrong here.

[premilove]

I also have a 40 breeder mixed reef but a bunch of sps mostly. I have the 6 x 39 t5's and couldn't be happier with both growth and coloration. Definitely cannot go wrong here.


+1 6x39 t5s seems to be one of the most popular lighting picks for 40 breeders next to single 250 pendants

[cindre2000]

2 bulbs would be fine for the non-light demanding corals, and fine for the clams and SPS if placed properly. I feel that a lot of people go overboard on lighting, and in such a shallow tank more than 4 is too much!

The dimensions you quote are not right unless it is a 50g, by the way. 40g are shallower.

DC_40gallon, adding a second PC set up would probably heat up the tank. I would just replace the PC's with T5HO's, with even 2 bulbs the difference is astronomical.

[DC_40gallon]

So I cAn replace the bulbs with 2 t5ho's or will I need to replace the whole light fixture?