Is this reasonable?

I am very ignorant of lighting, but was curious, I have a 40 fowlr that I want to add some "starter" corals to, will I be able to keep much if I just use 2 boost led light fixtures?

 

Should be plenty. I would be worried about burning softies & maybe even lps. I will be testing them on sps... Using 2 over a 29g. Each light covers about a 12" X12" area. Use 60* optics for a wider lighted are, while 40* are better for a deeper tank. Should be mounted about 6"-10" above the tank for a 12"-18" deep tank.

 

Sounds pretty good. Seano gave some great advise

 

seano I'm curious as to what you are using to compare the output of leds with? Do you care to go in depth in how you came up with only needing 20 watts of led?

I know LEDs are more efficient but I thought it was only around 2x as efficient as halide or t5 tech.

 

I didn't notice people had commented. Thanks for your interest.

To tell you the truth, Sostoudt....I was mainly going upon what the company(BOOST LED) had recommended for my size tank. We do not know if these will truly support sps corals with good growth. So for school science fair, & for the good of this hobby, I am willing to put my tank to the test.

They say that 1 bulb provides a decent(however much that is?) amount of par/light to a 12"X2" area. 40* optics for 16" + of water.

I'm not sure if tat is based on the 40 or 60 optics(as far as surface area) though. I'll have to shoot 'em an email & get back t you on that.

I will probably be going with 3X 40* optics now. This will be plenty of light for 18" deep tank & should provide an even spread with no spotting, given that they are placed 6-10" above the surface.

I will be testing the par ratings throughout my tank & will post results here on the forum. I'll write a review, & include the par ratings plus growth shots over a few months' time.

Thanks for the K+, 2in10.

 

In regards to having 2 over a 40g FOWLR, well its s not a reef tank. You won't need tons of light. Softies are low-light corals & should do wonderful under these. Heck, they do well under some pc lighting. LPS are like med-light corals & I would suspect they should be ok too, as these lights are built for sps corals.