Whats the Best T5 option or Fixture for a 40 breeder

[shark007]

I know it has to be 36" Should I buy a fixture or retro fit. If so what brands and bulbs. I want to do SPS and Chalices

Thanks in advance for all input

[Pescado Amigo]

Shark,

I just installed Wavepoint retros. I am in the final stages of a build, so I don't have anything in the tanks yet, but they have some nice write ups and the lamps have great PAR ratings. A 36" 4x39 watts unit will give you similar lighting to a 400 watt metal halide with better coverage and multiple lamp options that you don't get from a single bulb halide.

pedro

[nanojg]

Shark,

I just installed Wavepoint retros. I am in the final stages of a build, so I don't have anything in the tanks yet, but they have some nice write ups and the lamps have great PAR ratings. A 36" 4x39 watts unit will give you similar lighting to a 400 watt metal halide with better coverage and multiple lamp options that you don't get from a single bulb halide.

pedro



WHAT??? Maybe a 400 watt halide that is 2 years old without a reflector?!?

To OP, I think a 6 x 39 watt t5 fixture or retro would be great, if you have a hood I would do an aqua illumination retro from reefgeek. You could get by with a 4 x 39 fixture/retro, but the coverage would not be as good.

[nanojg]

If you want to go fixture, the sunpower would be great

[rtparty]

Not even an ATI Powermodule sitting right on the tank will stay up with a 400 watt halide. That is crazy talk. It will keep up with a 250 watt halide but with much better spread.

On my 40 gallon breeder I went with a 4x24W ATI Sunpower and couldn't be happier. I only had 14" of depth instead of 18" because of my overflow. If you have 18" front to back then a 6 bulb fixture is what you need.

If you are serious about SPS then you will want to look at the Sunpower for sure. I do not recommend the 36" fixture. You will melt all of your chalices with it. If you HAVE to go with a 36" fixture then run at least 2 actinics to drop the PAR.

[shark007]

I dont have a hood so i guess a fixture would be best. Anyone else for fixture advice?

Thanks everyone

[Crackerballer]

6 bulb tek elite fixture, or the ATI powermod if you want an 8 bulb, but I think 6 bulb should do you well with good bulb choice.

[Johnny C]

I would either do a Tek Elite or ATI Sunpower (6 bulb for the Tek, 4 for the SP).

[username in use]

40 breeders aren't that deep. I grow sps at all levels with a 4 bulb unit.

[cubsFAN]

i have a 6x39watt NEP pro. I wish I had a 24 in fixture. It is hard to find spots for lower light corals.