Need Lighting specs

[fishmaster78]

Hello, New kid on the block, I just started a 40 gal hexagon tank and would like to get some real nice coraline algae and do some zoas and what not and was wondering what type of lighting would be best to get to the bottom of the tank.

 

[nikesb]

t5, mh, led.
i think you will do fine with a 150w MH on a Lumenmax elite reflector.
for t5's i'd get a TEK system for you
led, check out evolution led fixtures or reef filtration LED modules. you may also consider doing par38 bulbs since they wont require a fixture. theyre a screw in bulb that will penetrate decently and two of them over your tank would be great!

 

[fishmaster78]

Coralife Dual Fixture High Output T5 Aquarium Light Fixture...would this work?

 

[nikesb]

if you want to keep nothing but softies, then it will work...but IMO, zoas put out better color once acclimated to strong light, especially if you want the more exotic ones.
coralife are also on the lower end of spectrum for t5 fixtures. 2 bulbs wouldnt be anywhere near strong to enough to penetrate 21" of water and yet give u decent par even half way down.
how wide is your tank? you may want to choose another type of lighting like LED. check out par38 lights. they may a better option for you and will screw into a regular light socket. theyll penetrate pretty deep too using correct lenses. you have many options for these lights. nanotuners, ledio, ecoxotic are just some of the brands that carry these bulbs for reef purposes

 

[fishmaster78]

how do u feel about the aquasun T5 Ho 24W actinic and and 10,000' output?

 

[nikesb]

again, its still 2 bulbs and it wont penetrate the way you're wanting it to. save up for a quality fixture to save yourself some money in the end. the par 38s are a really good idea if you can hang some kind of light socket over the tank

 

[fishmaster78]

yeah I was trying to find a cheaper route but obviously don't want to sacrifice quality, ok thank u very much for your help I really appreciate it.

 

[nikesb]

if price is an option, check out the ecoray par38 light. it should be ~80$. with a 2 bulb t5 fixture, you'd at least want to buy new quality bulbs which will cost ~40$ already. so total 80-90$ for a 2 bulb t5 + good bulbs.
ecoray par38 would be a really good option for you and last much longer

 

[fishmaster78]

 

[fishmaster78]

yeah i'll definitely look into these now, currently running an 24" odyssea 65W 12,000k daylight and 65W 50/50