Originally posted by InigoMontoya
also... MH? Where would I start? I know NOTHING about lighting. Do I need a ballast? What is a good example of exactly what I need? How much (say I want all good corals, clams, etc) total watts? Can I use them with all the lighting I have now? I dont seem to have any more room. I have some other canopy in the back on top of my tank glass that has a bulb in it also, it came with the tank. Would I just remove it and put MH canopy there?
Yes, you'd need a new ballast for metal halides. What are the dimensions of your 40g? I use a 150w Metal Halide (double ended bulb) on a 38g and seem to be doing great, usually. Others may suggest a 250w de bulb/ballast though. With the addition of atinic supplemental lighting from vho/pc/no. I can find and post some pictures tommorrow. You'd most likely have to remove your quad pc's and pickup a whole new hood combo to go the mh route.
I'm not saying you need MH for Birdsnest, its just usually the suggested lighting for them.