Did i fail with lighting for my 40g?

I don't have any experience with that particular light but a single mh over a 40 seems great, it should work fine, especially with supplements.
 
in a 40, i hate to say but i do think its a fail. pc lighting w/ a 150w halide is something the average nanoER would go for. if you can, i would definitely go for 2x 250w halides, 4 or 6 T5s, or atleast 2x 150w halides.

i dont think you're ready for sps, but who am i to say that. if you feel like you are, go for it. do a little more research though, thats what forums like this are for. good luck, and hopefully you can get that exchange.
 
assuming its a breeder, w/ a single 150w, you're not gonna get enough coverage throughout the tank. therefore you'll be limited to sps only where the light is penetrating well enough.
 
I think you'll need 2 150 bulbs. I just setup a 40 breeder and I have (2) 175 watt 20k bulbs with 2 lumen bright mini reflectors. I (and my corals) couldn't be happier!
 
i have a 40 Gal breeder and i also use a coralife pro hood 150 w dual Attinic same thing.but i put a 150w 15k XM bulb in instead. recently switched my tank from softies and have a freshly planted SPS tank except for the couple SPS i already had.it been about 6 months now and i can say i like my growth im getting.i keep all my high light acros in the middle and up high and montis to the side.im more worried about color more than growth though also.you can grow out a 40 very quickly.and financially im not ready to bump up so im good with that. i thought bout a 250w also but think it might be to much.some of my SPS didnt like the hot spot and thought they would. if i switch i think im gonna go T5w/ some led for shimmer.either way if your a reef nut your always gonna want something else anyway.good luck w/ it. BTW my SPS is doing great and still think i should change LOL
 
36x16x18 are the dimensions.

Ill see about the exchange /pray. His business is right next to mine so he gives me cost on things. I paid 400$ with shipping / tax for it so i think i got a good price.

I was thinking about 2- 250w IceCaps to be honest, but thats with me being able to return this and not have to eat the 400 bones :(

i fail ahhh haha
 
MrKite24 said:
I think you'll need 2 150 bulbs. I just setup a 40 breeder and I have (2) 175 watt 20k bulbs with 2 lumen bright mini reflectors. I (and my corals) couldn't be happier!
Click to expand...

what kind of hood ya got? cause im also always second guessing.and still thinking upgrade. although i love halides im really thinking.bout T5s. friggin tank drives me nuts
 
lolgranny said:
36x16x18 are the dimensions.

Ill see about the exchange /pray. His business is right next to mine so he gives me cost on things. I paid 400$ with shipping / tax for it so i think i got a good price.

I was thinking about 2- 250w IceCaps to be honest, but thats with me being able to return this and not have to eat the 400 bones :(

i fail ahhh haha
Click to expand...

thats 500 w combined equals 12 1/2 w per gallon thats a lot of light.most SPS require mostly 3 - 6 w per gallon. i could be wrong though
 
when i get some pics youll be suprised what i pull off with this light. but still im thinkin spend more $$$ i dont have. do you dose and keep up w/ everything else? if so it should be ok
 
Ya post some pics brothaman, i WILL be dosing but im currently setting up the tank. Should all be up this weekend if i get some hours off work... 60hrs / week :(
 
2 x 250 over a 3 foot tank is waaay overkill imo. You're gonna be evaporating water like no other and that tank is gonna get HOT! I think the fixture you bought is a great starter light... esp if you've never kept SPS before. No need to overkill on your first SPS tank (there will be upgrades... I promise) lol.

For what its worth, I have a single 250w over a 4 ft tank and Im seeing great results on my "SPS island" On the shadier side I have a couple of anemones that are thriving. Ive now gone to the side of "less is more"
 
Ya i thought 1- 250w would be fine, but then i was speaking with Marinedepot and they suggested 2.... looks like they are trying to make a sale. bastards lolol

Ive never worked with acros rly, i have had montis and a bunch of leathers / lps in my 75g. I dont think this light will be BAD, just trying to eliminate the fact of replacing the lights 6minths down the road if i can work with it now.

we live and learn, w/o you guys i would still be doing all this on my own. I thank all of you for that.
 
Or would a 250 + 2-T5 bulbs work. Im not much into what will work for lighting so using you guys is excellent. haha
 
i agree with mike. although my mind wonders and looking to up my light a little. thats a lot of light. i am pulling off some high light acros w/ mine like prostrata and even an oregon tort which never lost its color and likes to be hammered w/ light
 
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