40 breeder setup

[40g Nano]

Hello I have a 14g cube right now with a Kessil a80. I plan on getting a 40 breeder as an upgrade and am not sure on which lights to get. Also, what would be a good sump size for that tank?
Thanks!

 

[Brian82143]

Lighting really depends on two things: #1 your budget, and #2 what you intend to keep in the aquarium. Fish only, softies, LPS, SPS, etc.

That being said, my personal choice is running a hybrid T5/LED combo. Aquatic Life makes a T5/LED hybrid fixture that allows you to drop in the LED of your choice. I have had great success running this option with 4 ATI Blue Plus bulbs and Kessil A360WE's. You can grow anything without a problem and everything thrives.

 

[40g Nano]

I would like to grow lps, softies, and some sps like birdsnest and I was thinking of two viparspectra lights but that might not be enough. I don't want to go the t5 route because it will cost more in the long run buying more bulbs

 

[Johniejumbo]

I would think those viparspectras would be enough personally. I have never used them myself though so you might look to get that info from someone more experience with them. As far as Sump. Go with the biggest one you can fit! I lucked into a good sump for my 40b but if I hadn’t I would have gone the diy route and used a 29g.

 

[smileyjoe]

I run a Radion XR30 about 16 inches from the water on top of my hood with two t5 bulbs sitting about 10 inches of the water. As for sump, I have the Icecap 24

 

[40g Nano]

I think I will be going with dual AI Primes because I won't really grow much sps. I will most likely build my own stand to make the sump I choose fit. I was thinking of buying a 20L or 29 and getting a DIY kit.

 

[SoggyNW]

I have a single viparspectra 300 over my 40 breeder growing a little of everything and it is more than enough. Setting a are currently around 50% blue 15% white although the picture is only the blues.

As for a sump. A 20 long is perfect and it's easy to make your own baffles without a kit. I'm running a standard 20 and I wish I had gotten the long.

 

[Bryn]

I think I will be going with dual AI Primes because I won't really grow much sps. I will most likely build my own stand to make the sump I choose fit. I was thinking of buying a 20L or 29 and getting a DIY kit.

Go ahead and get your 40G Breeder, and drill the holes now, that way you will work on getting the sump up and running, otherwise the 40G will get put into service at short notice. ;Woot Fit the bulk heads, and get everything ready for the big upgrade. You could always block off the bulk heads until you need them.

BRS (BulkReefSupply) had a video on Prime HD 16's, using a 40G Breeder, and two for LPS was perfect, and if you wanted SPS dominant tank, then three would work. At approximately $209 each, works out to be a very versatile light.

Sumps, well truthfully buy the biggest that will fit. It's a possible upgrade proof way. If you can get a 40G Breeder for $50 at a Petco $/G sale, then I would suggest 40G DT, 40G sump, if it would fit.

Later.

 

[40g Nano]

The Viparspectra is the price of one AI prime but is the controlability as good?

 

[SoggyNW]

The Viparspectra is the price of one AI prime but is the controlability as good?

Nope. The viparspectra has a white channel and a blue channel and you get to choose the intensity of each and set the on and off time. That's it.

 

[40g Nano]

Would you recommend the 300w for a 40 breeder

 

[SoggyNW]

Would you recommend the 300w for a 40 breeder

Yes, it is a functional, affordable solution that provides enough light to grow anything you want. It doesnt have as many features as the ai prime but it is also less than half the cost.

 

[40g Nano]

Does it have any shimmer?

 

[gabrieltackitt]

Take a look at my build thread for some ideas. I did a 40 breeder with a 29 sump and 2 Ai Primes.

I do recommend getting a sump baffle kit if you can. I did mine DIY so that I could customize the size of the fuge to as big as I could make it, but I’ve been second guessing this a bit as of lately.

2 primes has been perfect. Looks great, not a ton of shadowing in the centers and only a bit on the sides. I ended up buying used HDs and saved myself a good chunk of money in the process, and they still cover very well.

 

[40g Nano]

I wil probably buy the 300w viparspectra bc it is half the cost

 

[Gernader]

@14g Nano I have a 75g (4 feet long) setup and I’m currently using two 165W black boxes, Mars Aqua, and I am able to grow any type of corals! Even sps. So, if you get two black boxes, it is more than enough for any corals

 

[40g Nano]

can i see a pic please

 

[Gernader]

can i see a pic please

Sure!

Blues Only

Blues with Low Whites (Bad pic since I didn’t use a filter)

Lights

 

[40g Nano]

That looks nice and is that a large rbta

 

[Gernader]

That looks nice and is that a large rbta

Thanks and yes, it is a Sherman rbta!