Budget lighting for 40 gallon breeder size tank?

grimly024 · October 18th, 2009

I recently acquired a 40 gallon breeder FOWLR setup of craiglist that has everthing but decent lighting. (It only has a single 36" regular florescent) I would like to be able to eventually make it into a reef tank. It is a very wide tank 38x18x16 so I'm not sure it that affects what lights I should use. It doesn't have a glass top either, just a single cut strip of glass to go under the single fluorescent light. What is the cheapest route I can go? If I could find a cheap canopy I would I like to retrofit something, but I can't find any 40 gallon breeder sized canopys! Any input would be appreciated!

Slug · October 18th, 2009

Whats cheap for you? Whats your budget?

Cheap varies person to person and there are many different options for lights for reef tanks. Honestly, being a reefer myself, i would offer the advice to you that if you really want to do a reef later on, don't skimp on the lights as thats a very important part of a reef tank. Also depends on what you want to keep in your reef. Generally I like enough light to be able to keep anything I want, others want just enough.

You have a few options as far as retrofits/pre-made go. Some cost just as much as the others. Any ideas what you want to keep in a reef? What kinds of corals?

I would DIY a canopy personally if thats what you really want.

grimly024 · October 18th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slug

Whats cheap for you? Whats your budget?

Cheap varies person to person and there are many different options for lights for reef tanks. Honestly, being a reefer myself, i would offer the advice to you that if you really want to do a reef later on, don't skimp on the lights as thats a very important part of a reef tank. Also depends on what you want to keep in your reef. Generally I like enough light to be able to keep anything I want, others want just enough.

You have a few options as far as retrofits/pre-made go. Some cost just as much as the others. Any ideas what you want to keep in a reef? What kinds of corals?

I would DIY a canopy personally if thats what you really want.

Well I was hoping to spend around $200 if possible, but from my research it sounds like the least I should get is 4x HO T5 bulbs (36"). I would like to get away with 2x HO T5s, but I know I would be limited in my coral selection. I'm really overwhelmed by all the different brands - any suggestions on specific brands?

Would 2 of these work?

http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife_...FIT54U-vi.html

Or one of these?

http://www.marinedepot.com/Current_U...FIT54U-vi.html

Oil_Fan · October 21st, 2009

What about this one?

http://www.marinedepot.com/Current_U...FIT54U-vi.html

It's a bit more money but is 4 bulbs with individual timers plus moon lights. I just love the idea of not having to buy external timers. I almost went with this set on my 95 gallon tank but then decided I wanted more power so opted for a 6 bulb setup.

But between the 2 you posted, I'd go with that 4 bulb one. It'll give more options coral wise.

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