Potential 40 gallon build

Hey everyone, I currently have a 14 gallon biocube. I am looking to upgrade to a 40 gallon because I have been having problems with temperature swings and changes in salinity, also 14 gallons is just too restricting.
I am new to the hobby so I was looking for some equipment recommendations. I am thinking about a reef tank. Ultimately I would like to keep a BTA. Are L.E.Ds a good idea for lighting? Any ideas would be great. Thanks

 

LEDs are an awesome way to go, and there are endless options. I'll throw out the Aqua Illuminations SOL, and I'm sure you will get a ton of other recommendations.

 

I just bought an AI Sol unit. I'm a huge fan of LEDs, and have owned a number of fixtures (Boost, Ecoxotic), and multiple DIY models (CREE, Bridgelux, Edison) as well. For a 40B tank, I'd recommend 2 AI Sol units...one just doesn't spread enough for me (SPS dominant). I'll be getting another soon. The ability to have complete control is great!

 

i have a 55g tank w/ a 100g skimmer rate, an cannister filter been working good thats rated for 75g sad face is that im going to put in my sump when i build it and change things inside. i have an over power lighting system that i plan to use when i upgrade but T5 are good enough for what u are doing. the lighting system i got is from Odyssea cheap and haven't hade any probs with it. other wise u are going to spend some cash if u got it.

 

Running a 40 breeder with a 20 long as sump, full reef. Eshopps PSK 150 skimmer, MAG 7 return pump, BeanAnimal overflow, two MaxiJet 1200 power heads and 6-bulb T5 lighting with 2 10,000K, 2 actinic and 2 ATI Blue Plus bulbs, LED moonlight. Home-built auto-top-off and Kalk doser, Two Little Fishies reactor with a MaxiJet 900 powering it.

LEDs are too expensive for what you get still. A 40 breeder is 16" tall and T5 are perfect. Brands are up to you, but reflectors and bulbs make the light. I retrofitted ATI reflectors to an off-brand light, it uses 3 Workhorse ballasts and I'm okay with that. I get the same PAR and better coverage than an ATI Power Module at half the cost. But that's not always the best way to go.

Look for used equipment to save money, not cheaper new equipment.

Jeff

 

well as far as the tank size goes YEA its alot better than a 14 any day of the week.

as far as the leds go there are a ton of diffrent sponsers on here that all have really good fixxtures and DIY stuff that you coulf do to make it really what you want, just to name a few Orphek, Boost led, and Rapid led.