How many watts for 40B reef

Hey all I am upgrading to my 40gallon breeder tank and I was wondering how many watts I would need to properly maintain my waving hand coral and green star polyp coral in this size tank. I found some good deals with T5 but the watts seem kinda low 80 total between a 10000k and actinic bulb. Should i get a fixture with 4 light and more watts. I have read online somewhere between 2 to 4 watts per gallon is this true?

Thanks

 

Well I dont know much about the watt per gallon rule, and I think most people have kinda wrote that off. But a 4 bulb T5 fixture on that tank will allow you to keep pretty much most of anything you would want.

There are tons of brands, but I usually recommend Odyssea 4 bulb T5 fixtures to someone who is looking for a good value. I bought mine brand new on ebay for 75 bucks and it was well worth it. It has moonlights and seperate power cords for dusk/dawn lighting.

 

Watts per gallon went out the window some time ago. With so many different types of lights that use wattage differently, i.e. a 35 watt fluorescent bulb provides the same lumens as a 100 watt incandescent, that makes sense. PAR and color spectrum is what you need.

As insanespain said, a 4-bulb T5 unit should work fine.

 

I actually was looking at that same product. I own a two bulb 24" odyessa on my 20 gallon. It works good however I do have some issues with it, it doesn't sit very far off the tank water level and as a result my skimmer and refugium return both splash water on it which isnt horrible I would just like it higher.

Also it says 24" but it is actually around 26" with the bracket so it hangs low on one side because you actually have to rest the light itself on the rim not the bracket of the tank I am wondering if the same will be true for the 36'.

Its hard to pass up though because its sooo much cheaper than other brands.

Thanks for the advice

 

I really like the Current USA Nova extreme, sits high

36" NOVA

But it only has 2 bulbs and I am afraid that may not be enough like you all are saying go with 4. I could always add some leds later

 

They do also have a 4-bulb fixture:

Nova Extreme HO T5 Fixtures | Fixtures | PetSolutions

 

I have the odyessy 4 bulb T5 on mine. Had it for 6 months and love it.

 

I have the current USA nova with six bulbs and its fabulous !! Love it for my 40 breeder.

 

So do you think the two bulb would suffice for some beginner corals like waving hand and green star

 

No, I would go with the 4 bulb. Go on ebay and look for a store called Top Dog Sellers. I have bought from them many times