lighting question for 40 gal

[yoshi333]

I have a 40 gal tank with dimensions : 36L x 15W x 16H

Right now, the tank is Fish Only, but I want to try growing corals soon. What lights will allow growing a wide variety of corals?

I saw the light fixtures at AHsupply.com, and I am trying to decide on a 4x40 watt or 2x96 watt bright light kit. What mixture of bulbs do you think I should choose?

Thanks,
Mike

[FishDaddy]

Mike,
If you've decided on PC's, I'd go with 4x55 instead of the 4x40's. Either the 4x55 or 2x96 would give you decent lighting for your tank for soft and LPS corals as this is a shallow tank. One factor is the cost of replacement bulbs; 4 as opposed to 2. Check the prices to see which works out cheaper for replacements.
I have a 96w Smartlamp on my 38 FOWLR. It's a nice, crisp, but bluish light. A mix of the new 8800k bulbs and Actinic or Smartlamp might give you a better look. It's really a matter of your preference.
I still prefer VHO!
Dick

[beach bum]

With those choices I would go with 2x96w, with one smartlamp and one 10K daylight. That would be a nice setup.

Actually, what I went with for my 40 is 1x175w mh pendant 6500k w/ actinic flourescent support!

Now I can keep it all baby!

[reefguy]

just my opinion, but go with either a 175W or a 250W 10000K or 12000K metal halide. not only will it save you money in the end and provide plenty of intensity, it will also prevent you from needing actinic supplementation. despite the bad rap they often get, i run 12000K sunbursts in my tank and all of my corals are kicking butt! the 12000K bulbs are really good and they provide a great coral growing environment...only one drawback...you have to know what you're doing as a photographer or all of your pictures will turn out blue! i really hope that this helps you

[yoshi333]

Thanx Reef, Beach & FishD for all your suggestions,

If the cost is really cheaper going with one - 175W MH (less wattage & replacement bulbs) than the others and works as well, then that settles it for me.

Do you have any recommendations as to where to get it online? AH supply seems to only sell PC lights.

[beach bum]

The replacement costs of bulbs is probably only with regards to 55 VS. 96 watt PCs. MH bulbs are about twice as much as PC or VHO. They run $100 apeice in most LFS's or $50+ online.

I would suggest looking (if you're that patient) for something used if you want the best price. I got mine setup for $115 And my LFS is selling two of his display 250w HQI reefsun pendants (just like the one I have in shape, except nicer components) with new 10K bulb for $250 or so.

If I run across a nice price I'll let you know.

chris

[reefguy]

you could try these sites:

www.aquaticlighting.com

www.hellolights.com

www.hamiltontechnology.com

www.aquadirect.com/lighting/halide.html

for your tank, a retrofit may work well, AND you can save big bucks if you're willing to do a little yourself. i hope this helps ya out