light for 40 gallon breeder

[codydemmel4]

So I decided to go with a 40 gallon breeder on my SPS frag tank as I got it for free from a friend.

I plan on making the frag rack around 6 inches from the bottom, so 11 inches to the top of the tank.

I am wondering what lighting I should use? I am really only looking to keep the middle 24-30 inches full of SPS from side to side and keep the whole 18 inches front to back with corals.

I am leaning towards a 6 bulb 24 inches T5 fixture but I also started to think about a 250W Metal Halide (have never used Metal Halides before). My DT is 80w 8 bulb fixture. If I do the 6 bulb T5 fixture, I will be doing 4 blue plus bulbs and 2 coral plus bulbs.

Greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts.

 

[tripdad]

Hey Cody, if it's in a remote type location and you don't mind light spilling over the ends look at Home Depot. They have a 4 bulb, T5HO, 48" fixture with individual reflectors for about $100.00. I use one and it will definitely grow SPS corals. I use 50/50 mix of B+ and Coral+ bulbs. It's nice to not blow big bucks for a frag tank light.

 

[Baxterdawg1974]

I just bought a 4 bulb Fixture with built in reflector for $60 on amazon that fits 24 inch T5s i also do 2 ATI blue plus and actinics. Search for it under grow lights for plants and T5, it should show up


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Baxterdawg1974]

I just bought a 4 bulb Fixture with built in reflector for $60 on amazon that fits 24 inch T5s i also do 2 ATI blue plus and actinics. Search for it under grow lights for plants and T5, it should show up


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[codydemmel4]

thanks everyone!

I just got a good deal on a 250w MH so I am going to go with that for now. Once I fill up my frag tank even more I will get another and have 2 over the tank and have PLENTY of coverage

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I ran a 250w MH on a 40B display and loved it. Coverage was perfect and I grew sps everywhere. For a frag tank that you are growing out corals its hard to beat.

 

[codydemmel4]

I ran a 250w MH on a 40B display and loved it. Coverage was perfect and I grew sps everywhere. For a frag tank that you are growing out corals its hard to beat.

Awesome. How high did you have it off the water?

 

[DesertReefT4r]

About 12".