Which Fixture Would You Recommend for a 40 Gallon Breeder?

[Myka]

Google "Sanjay reef lighting".

If you go with MH don't go HQI, go mogul. The moguls have much better coverage. I did a lot of studying when I was gonna set up my 65g (same dimensions as your, but taller), and decided on the large Lumenarc reflector, a PFO 400w HQI ballast, and a Giesemann 400w Coral 14,500K mogul bulb.

Your biggest issue will be to spread that MH light the full 36" of the tank. MH are generally considered to cover a 24x24" area, not 36". The Lumenarc reflector is known as the best reflector on the market to spread light evenly, and as far as possible, and keeping the PAR as high as possible. So this would be the best reflector choice for you.

Choosing to run a mogul bulb on an HQI ballast will overdrive the bulb and put out WAAAAAY more PAR than a regular mogul or even an HQI. Be sure to choose a mogul bulb that is compatible with an HQI ballast.

I picked the Giesemann Coral 14,500K mogul bulb because they have the greatest output run on a PFO 400w HQI ballast. If you want to go with 250w, then the XM 10K mogul bulb has the highest output on the PFO HQI ballast, but would need to be supplemented with some serious actinic to pull away from the yellow tint of the 10K.

Check out Sanjay's website to compare PAR (look at the PPFD number...the higher the better). Pick a ballast and compare the bulbs to it.

For T5s, I would go with Sunlight Supply Tek or Aquactinic.

[Puff]

how much did that light and reflector cost?

most likely a LOT more than i have to spend!!! im trying to spend a max of about 400$. your setup sounds absolutely amazing though! im jealous!

what about 2 150W clamp ons or something?

[Myka]

Most clamp ons suck. Look for pendants.

You're looking at about $500 for Lumenarc reflector, 400w HQI ballast, and Giesemann bulb. With tax. A bit less for 250w.

I forgot to ask...what kind of corals do you plan on keeping? Maybe you don't need this super powerful lighting...?