40 Breeder Setup - Lighting

drwonga

New member
Hi folks!

After a few years out of the hobby, I'm looking to jump back in. I have an old 40 breeder that I would like to use, most likely with a 20 long sump. I wanted to recreate a lagoon-type of tank. I think the aquascape will be a bed of sand, and a boomie, probably one large one, and if space allows, a smaller second one. I wanted to mainly keep LPS corals, possibly a single toadstool, and maybe eventually try my had at some easy to care for SPS. I would also like to make giant clams one of the main focuses. Either Derasa or Squamosa, but it would be nice to keep Maximas or Croceas as well.

I know 40 breeders are a bit odd to find lighting for, so I'm wondering what you guys might suggest? I was thinking of a 6x24W ATI T5 fixture, or a single Kessil A360WE, or a Maxspect R420R. Because I would concentrate most of the light loving corals on a single main structure, I'm ok with light falloff on the left and right edges - I'm trying to go for an open/airy sort of aquascape. Thanks for any suggestions!

PS - the last time I was in the hobby, T5's were just kicking off. I've never used T5's and I've only used a Kessil on my planted tank.
 
Sorry, I should have mentioned electricity is quite expensive out here. I'm estimating roughly $0.28-$0.32 per kWh used for the lights, so something that is cost effective and efficient would be top of the list.
 
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