Light for a 40 gal. prop tank

[follow3]

Hello all,

I am concidering setting up a 40 gal. breeder for a prop tank.
I have the oportunity to pick up some 400 watt MH cheap right now.

Would 1 400 watt MH with a 20" dome reflector and a 15,000 K bulb be enough lighting or would I need 2 of these.

OR... is one 400 watt too much light for proping Zoos and Palys?

Thanks as always,
Steve

 

[twon8]

i think a 400 would be a waste on that small a tank, a 250 would be more appropriate.

 

[JGoslee]

A 40gal breeder is 36". So I would either do 2-250's or T5's.

 

[chadfarmer]

you could do a 250w single or double

my girlfriend had a tek light over her 40 gallon

 

[fishes2889]

i vote T5

 

[fishes2889]

4x 39w retro or fixture that is....

 

[twon8]

i got one of these reflectors,
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=470
a cheap option for a closed end reflector, it would work well on a 40, and allow you enough room on the sides to run a few t5's if you want. I think a 250w would be plenty for just zoas, but some t5s might help color them up

 

[follow3]

Here's a pic of the 400 MH

It is 20" in diameter.

What do you think?
Will it work over a 40 gal breeder?

If so, will I need to supplement with actinics?