Lighting for a reef?

[bianca90]

Hey guys, I am trying to get started with my first reef. I am going to wait a couple of months to finish up any research I have to do and let my tank mature a bit more. I have a 40g tank. I have a canister filter, a regular filter, a current maker, and I ordered my skimmer today (which is supposed to come in a week.) my tank is 3 months old, I'm happy with it. But I think it can do better. I want to buy a HO T5 fluorescent light, but I don't know how many watts or I have no clue.... The length would be 36". Should I get a 78 watts or 156 watts? Or how many watts? I want to have pretty corals, not that many fish. Another quick question, should I have my skimmer as a hang in or a slum?

Thank you!

 

[iDream]

How many bulbs is each fixture? I say to keep a nice variety of corals get a 4-bulb fixture. As far as brands look into Current USA for decent prices, Fishneedit.com for nice low prices, and Tek for high quality fixtures

Also just a question, how deep is the tank? A 40 breeder?

 

[bianca90]

It's 4 bulbs. My tank is about:
Height: 13"
Length: 36"
Width: 16"


Thanks for the website, I will def check it out.

 

[Gti_Leo]

then its pretty easy to light thos corals with a T5 and suck a shallow tank i think 4 would be enough for any corals you'd want to put

 

[iDream]

I'm jealous of those dimensions! A 4-bulb would definitely work fine for you

 

[bianca90]

Thank you!