Lighting options for a 40 breeder

Phish2coralreef · Mar 2, 2020

I am going to upgrade my lighting setup on my 40 breeder tank, currently a softie LPS mixed. I am considering either 2 AI prime HD's or the new Hydra 32's. This tank probably wont have any SPS but I figure if I ever do i could add a third prime. Basically just wondering personal opinions on if I should spend the extra and go with the Hydras. (Also open to other suggestions besides these)

Hemmdog · Mar 3, 2020

I would do two primes for lps. Sps three primes or two Hydra32’s.

Gareth elliott · Mar 3, 2020

I have 3 primes on my 40b on a modified ab+ lighting schedule.
Get about 85% of tank can grow sps this way.
One of the primes has a diffuser on it, was testing the difference lol.

Phish2coralreef · Mar 3, 2020

Gareth elliott said:
I have 3 primes on my 40b on a modified ab+ lighting schedule.
Get about 85% of tank can grow sps this way.
One of the primes has a diffuser on it, was testing the difference lol.

I think that's probably the way to go. What kind of results did you see with the diffuser?

William Mumford · Mar 3, 2020

Ais are the best always recommend them there is so many lighting schedules available online as well as being able to share personal schedule with other reefers.

Phish2coralreef · Mar 3, 2020

William Mumford said:
Ais are the best always recommend them there is so many lighting schedules available online as well as being able to share personal schedule with other reefers.

Awesome, kinda my thoughts as well

William Robinson · Mar 3, 2020

Two AI Prime HD's over my drilled 40B. I have since updated this tank to an SPS grow out tank in the picture below this one. Just got it setup a couple days ago and first frags going in today or tomorrow.

Phish2coralreef · Mar 3, 2020

William Robinson said:
Two AI Prime HD's over my drilled 40B. I have since updated this tank to an SPS grow out tank in the picture below this one. Just got it setup a couple days ago and first frags going in today or tomorrow.

Very nice! Do you like the flexible mounts?

William Robinson · Mar 3, 2020

Phish2coralreef said:
Very nice! Do you like the flexible mounts?

Nope not at all lol... I just happened to have these two from two other tanks. There is some "flexibility" in having them though in a grow out tank. I can concentrate light on a particular area if I like and reduce it in others for corals not wanting/needing stronger PAR levels

Phish2coralreef · Mar 3, 2020

William Robinson said:
Nope not at all lol... I just happened to have these two from two other tanks. There is some "flexibility" in having them though in a grow out tank. I can concentrate light on a particular area if I like and reduce it in others for corals not wanting/needing stronger PAR levels

I was kinda thinking on going with the solid tank mounts, or ceiling if I really wanted to. But the solid mounts seem like the way to go to me.

William Mumford · Mar 3, 2020

Phish2coralreef said:
I was kinda thinking on going with the solid tank mounts, or ceiling if I really wanted to. But the solid mounts seem like the way to go to me.

I have the soild mounts they are nice because I sometimes think the gooseneck look like reading lamps.

William Robinson · Mar 3, 2020

Phish2coralreef said:
I was kinda thinking on going with the solid tank mounts, or ceiling if I really wanted to. But the solid mounts seem like the way to go to me.

I would go with the solid mounts personally. The ceiling mounts are so long unless you put them on a rail mount system that the light sways easily. Even the A/C system can cause them to sway when it turns on.