how much light for 40 breeder

[pwachs]

wondering how powerful of mh should i go for a 40 breeder. Planning on 14k bulbs and supplemental actinics.
tia

 

[nebraskareef]

Well, I'm planning out a 40breeder as well. More than likely predom. SPS. I've already got a 250SE, so I'm going to go w/ the 10k, or use the 14k I've already got. Plus an IC660 that will more than likely power some t5 HO's. If you are only going to go with a single bulb, the middle will be much brighter than the edge and possibly cast shadows, but the edges would still be good for some lowlight guys.

250w should be sufficient on this shallow tank.

 

[MNreefer386]

We use 250s over our 40 breeders at work w/ Coralife t5 fixtures to help spread the light. The Coralife fixtures are super compact and are relatively bright and cheap.

 

[MiddletonMark]

I'd go with 175's, esp if you have a sandbed. Those are pretty short tanks IMO.

 

[jmkins]

I'm in the slow process of transitioning my 40 from an all zoo tank to a predominantly SPS tank with zoo's on the bottom. I have a SSB and some high rock work. I'm going to go with 2x 150 de's for this setup. I really only have an effective height of 17" and plan to have most SPS in the top 12". Granted I dont have the experience yet, I feel that any higher wattage would be overkill and just give me added heat and an extra couple of dollars of wasted electricity.

 

[eben]

mark and jmkins nailed it...I tried 2x250 DE on my 40 breeder, and failed miserably..it literally fried all my SPS and bleached everything to a inch of their little lives...

Swapped out the MH for Tek 6x39 watt T-5 retro a few weeks ago and the transformation has been incredible...color came back within 1 week, PE is much much more pronounced, and growth rates have skyrocketed..

If I did it again I would run either T-5s or do the 2x150's like jmkins suggested..

good luck

 

[clkwrk]

I run 1 250de pendant @11 inches over mine.

 

[Corpus Callosum]

just use a 6 or 8 bulb 4 foot T5 unit

 

[mike660r]

I have an aquamedic 250 over my 40g frag tank. I am getting good growth out of it. I intend to add some VHO's or T5's for added actinic fill.