What light is right for me?

Hello everyone. I am also new to saltwater and this site. I have been reading alot of posts of the last few days and there is alot of good info hear.

So far I have a 40g glass breeder tank 36"x15"x18", Fluval 305 canister filtration system, Tetra Whisper 60 gallon air pump, Penguin 1140 submersible power head measured at 300gph, and 50 lbs of live sand. Now I am in the market for lighting and a protein skimmer. I found these lights, what do you think?

Lighting- I would like to do Live rock, soft coral, inverts, and a few fish. I would also like to stay under $200

USA Satellite Dual Compact Fluorescent, 2X96 Watt, 36 inch
Satellite Dual 96W Compact Fluorescent Lighting Current USA Satellite 36 inch Power Compact Light
USA Orbit Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 2X96 Watt, 36 inch
Current USA Orbit Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 2X96 Watt, 36 inch

If these arnt any good, what would you suggest? Any info would be much appreciated

 

Lighting is going to be one of the most important thngs you are going to do. Look into some of the JBJ light systems. A 24" could work if you centered it and made sure that the corals were put in the right areas beneath it. You could always go a bit wider if you want to spend the extra $$$. My 24" ran like $150 or so and works great for almost all sofites and fish.

 

As yuri mentioned, lighting is one of the most important things. Its always good to think about the future with lighting and what you might want to keep in your tank one day. Id suggest T5's over compact fluorescents...

 

If you're going to do a reef, lighting will be the most important purchase you make. It is what makes the coral world go round
That being said, if you don't want to spend more than $200 on a lighting system for a 40 gallon, you better find a good used set I would never recommend a pc lighting fixture. They need constant maintenance and are very limited to what you can keep with them. Look in to a set of T5's

 

I started with PCs. I eventually had to upgrade because my anemone and toadstool leather were not doing well. PCs are just too dim. You can buy a cheap fixture now but you will eventually end up replacing it. So the $200 spent now will eventually be wasted.

I recommend T5s over PCs.

This one costs $200 but only has four bulbs.36 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 4x39W T5HO

This one costs $319, has 6 bulbs and individual reflectors and cooling fans. You can keep anything you want from softies, SPS and clams with this fixture. I'd spend the extra $100 rather than spending $200 on a fixture you will eventually replace.
36 inch Current USA 6x39W Nova Extreme Pro T5HO 3-10k/3-460nm Actinics

I have the 48" version of this fixture. You can read my review of it if you like. http://paulsreef.blogspot.com/2008/12/nova-extreme-pro-review.html

With either of these fixtures you will probably want to replace the stock bulbs with better ones once you get more demanding corals. They will be fine for now.

 

on sale, 287.00
Current USA Nova Extreme Pro T5 Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 6X39 Watt, 36 inch

 

Wow, you guys are fast with the replies. I am so glad I found this site. I will defenetly consider That nova mentioned above. Looks pretty nice. If you guys say the lights are really that important, then I don't mind spending the extra money. Better to do this right the first time. Plus I just found out I am getting all my live rock for free so that will free up some money.

What about this. It is a T5 and has built in timers?
36 inch Current USA SunDial T5 HO 4x39W w/ Timers & LED

 

The Sundial doesn't have individual reflectors like the Pro does. The individual reflectors make a huge difference.

I've read positive things about the Sundial. People like them. I'd rather have the extra bulbs, and reflectors over the moon lights and timers. You can buy timers for cheap at Target plus you can put them where you set them. Seems like they would be hard to set on the back of the unit. I'd go with the Pro. Actually, I did go wth the Pro.

 

The get a good mark in my gradebook. I tink they are worth it. Ideally, If it were me Id go after more watts per gallon. But I think this will work just fine.

 

Also, out fo curiousty, this "free live rock"....Is it coming from someone else's tank??? Just make sure that you check everything out about the situation of their tank if you do.