T5 lighting

[TheGreenReefer]

Hello everybody!
I have a 40 gallon tank with 2 retro fit 24” t5 with blue plus bulbs as well as a 300watt mars aqua led. i want to go with all t5, but i have some questions.
1) how many i would need (4/6)
2) can i stick with 24” or would i need to have 36” ( i would like to stay small because i’m not sure my canopy will fit them, but i’ll do more research)
3) how high do they need to be mounted (mixed reef tank with mostly sps and lps, a couple sps)
4) what bulbs should i go with for the best color pop of corals and fish? pictures please!
5) lighting schedule?

also the tank is 6 months old.

 

[jda]

I would go 6 bulb and also 36" if you want to keep SPS. Go to 8 if you want to go hard-core into SPS and 4 might be OK if you just want softies and LPS - 6 is a good compromise.

Bulbs are up to you - most people prefer a combo of ATI Blue and Coral Plus, some actinic and even some whiter bulbs for some folks. I would run then 8-10 hours.