grimly024

New to saltwater - just picked up a 40 gallon breeder (drilled) w/ 20L gallon sump. Its a shallow tank at 16" tall. I can only really afford a 2 bulb T5 setup - my budget is <$200. How limited am I with corals and such?
Right now it is just a fowler tank but would like to try some soft corals and other simpler stuff in the near future - is 2x 36" HO T5s enough?

sgould

T-5's are pretty good for tanks less than 24" deep. I would feel better if you could swing more than 2 bulbs, just so you can get a good mix of daylight vs actinic lights. For example, if you look here, the 36" version gives you 4 bulbs but keeps you under your $200 ceiling. Either way, there are definately some coral options out there than would do well with the T5's.

MizRamzi

Zoa's will do good, as would some Green Star Palys, a Kenya Tree coral would too. Yellow star polyps and even some shrooms! Just do a little research on some of the lower light corals, there's plenty!! Have fun shopping! I wish I was going with ya

A little FYI...when buying lights for your aquarium make sure they are UL Listed. In case of accidental fire caused by such lighting, your insurance may not cover your losses.