what lighting option

[N-dog]

so I have a 40b and I am looking at a fish need it t-5. I do understand that it is an inexpensive fixture (will order new bulbs) I doubt that it has individual reflectors. If not I would try to mod it.

 

[kv2wr1]

Bump! I'm in the same boat as you and am considering this as well for my 40B.

 

[tallreefguy]

Well, tell us about your tank. What do you plan of keeping in there?
And you're set on T-5's?

 

[kv2wr1]

I've got mainly soft corals and 1 lps (bubble coral) that I will be transfering from mt 24g to the 40B once I finish making the stand and everything else is established.

My 24g does have a 14000k 150W halide w/ leds (current sunpod) so if I plan on keeping my crocea clam, I'll have to go halides since I've heard thay are the most light hungry. I'm not set on T5's but I like the results I've seen with them in other people's tanks.

 

[N-dog]

its going to be mostly lps with some sps like birdsnest an acro or two in the top portion of the tank im not set on t5 but about the only mh i can afford is a fish need it

 

[tallreefguy]

I've got mainly soft corals and 1 lps (bubble coral) that I will be transfering from mt 24g to the 40B once I finish making the stand and everything else is established.

My 24g does have a 14000k 150W halide w/ leds (current sunpod) so if I plan on keeping my crocea clam, I'll have to go halides since I've heard thay are the most light hungry. I'm not set on T5's but I like the results I've seen with them in other people's tanks.

I would say the limiting factor is how WIDE the 40B is. (I am not familiar with it) You should be able to keep Clams under at least 6 T5's. If you do, I wouldn't use Actinic bulbs. Use Blue+ bulbs. Actinic bulbs have very little PAR, however Blue+ are a deep blue and have a little less PAR than, say a 10k T5.
6 T5's with individial reflectors (active cooling will help) will beat a 150 watt halide in terms of usable light output, or so I've read.
If it's wide enough, you could use 8. I was going to get an 8-bulb fixture to replace my 2x250 watt halides.

In terms of fixtures, ATI is by far the best, Aquatinics are very good, then TEK. If you want more output you could put an Icecap ballast in there to Overdrive the bulbs! ( I've read those icecap ballasts are actually better in terms of output and bulb life)
Check out www.reefgeek.com
An ATI Sunpower is a good compromise of performace and price. Well, not so much compromising the performance as much as appearance.

 

[tallreefguy]

its going to be mostly lps with some sps like birdsnest an acro or two in the top portion of the tank im not set on t5 but about the only mh i can afford is a fish need it

You MAY be able to get away with a 4 bulb fixture if you get an ATI fixture.
Otherwise I would suggest a 6 bulb, individual reflectors, active cooling (if possible)
If you do go metal halide, which you can't beat the shimmer!, I would suggest a Lumatek Ballast.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Lumatek_..._Ballasts-Lumatek-LK1221-FILTACBAMHTF-vi.html
Sweet!! It's fully adjustable from 150, 175, 250, and HQI (275 ish). I think it's better built than Icecap. It runs cooler also. Not sure why...
If you can spare like... $135 for ballast, $120 for pendant, $60 for bulb, you're all set there.

And remember guys.... you get what you pay for...

I would go with a 150 or 175 watt halide for the 40B. You absolutely can do a 250 watt halide. I did that on a 26 bowfront. Everything grew like crazy!!