Lighting for 40B

[fanandy8]

I am setting up a 40 breeder tank now. Its up and starting to cycle but I have questions on my lighting. I plan on keeping mainly SPS but will have a few LPS and ZOA's as well. I have a 4 bulb 36" Tek light fixture with ATI bulbs. I also have pieces to make a DIY canopy with a 250 watt MH and 4 x24" T5 combo. Will the Tek fixture be enough to grow SPS or should I go with the MH/ T5 canopy?

 

[NanaReefer]

MH/T5 combo gets my vote.

 

[Diamond1]

Either one would work but the mh/t5 would be the better option IMO. If you have concerns about temp swings or electricity usage I would go with the 36" t5s.

 

[EW_Fish]

4 bulbs is okay about 6 bulbs would be my choice. If you can't get a six bulb. My/ combo don't worry about temp get a fan or two you will be fine as long as the tank isn't in a small room

 

[fanandy8]

Tank is actually in a finished room in basement that is a little cooler than rest of house so temps won't be an issue.

 

[EW_Fish]

Tank is actually in a finished room in basement that is a little cooler than rest of house so temps won't be an issue.

Then no reason not going with a metal halide!!! Is it a SE or DE?

 

[fanandy8]

Its a DE I have several bulbs from when I used it before....gonna have to find the box with them though

 

[Pfisherman]

If you wanted, you could probably sell those lights and get an it2040 or something