lighting advice

[Reefermike]

So I have a 40w X 36d X 22h tank. Currently lite by a 400 w halide. I would like some suggestions on light rec. I am not opposed to keeping the halide. I was thinking I might build a light that consist of 75 led on three heat sink. Along with 4 T5. Or if I bought one of the less expensive pre made led fixture. Such as the ocean revive. How many? I already have all the material except the T5 stuff to build the led / T5 fixture. I need some suggestions. On lighting this tank.

 

[Reefing Madness]

If your running 400w Halides, I'd say you need roughly 100watts of LEDs. But why do you need T5 supplimentals? Use a few reds, greens, navy blue, royal blues and 10k, that outta be all the coloring you'd need.
I believe you'd just need 2 of the Revive OR-U120 Led Units over your tank.

 

[Reefermike]

i have nevver used led. i had planned to downsize to a 40 breeder hence the led. i have 4 of the makers 6" heat sink, all the drivers and 24 RB 12 NW 16 TV and 8 OCW and a Dim4 electronic controller. I may order some more RB and NW . Although if i can get away with 2 of the Ocean Revive that would be a better deal . I do have to say i have had great results with the Halide and 20k Radium.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Norhing wrong with keeping the halides. I run led on one side and a 250w halide on the other.

 

[DSP]

Imo I would keep the halides your coral will thank you! Lol

 

[Ron Reefman]

There's nothing wrong with keeping the MH if you like them. They do a great job growing coral and the tanks look pretty good under MH. I have 4 tanks and a year ago 3 of them were MH & t5, and one was t5 only. Now all 4 are led. Two are EverGrow with built-in controllers and 2 have OceanRevive S026's. I'm very happy with the switch to leds and find both the EverGrow and OceanRevive to be well made brands. I got a good deal and paid less than $1400 for all the leds I needed and I save roughly $600 a year between electricity and new bulbs. That's just over a 2 year pay back and my house is more comfortable in the summer! Plus 6 months after I got the leds I sold all the MH and t5 fixtures for over $600.

 

[Reefermike]

I agree and it a cheaper short term solution . I do like the look of the coral under the led. Although they brightness vs the halide , well there is a big difference. I guess I need to figure the spread . I figure the view area that reall needs to be lighted is not the tank dim . There is a over flow in the center on the back. I have thought if I could cover 36 x30 .