T5 4 or 6 bulb?

[supra930]

Im starting a 40 breeder and I can't decide which fixture I should get. I will be keeping Lps and sps. The fixture i will be getting is an aquaticlife t5 4 or 6 bulb fixture.I've heard that a 6 bulb fixture on a 40 breeder is to much but I don't want to have to upgrade my lighting later on if I go with a 4 bulb. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[eagle9252]

see

Edit: see how many ballast it has. i have a fixture that has 6 bulbs. 4 on one and 2 on the other. you could switch it seperatly or even do moon lights or something.

 

[mustangcaleb]

40s have a decent amount of width to them, id go 6 bulb

 

[supra930]

MustangCaleb;760498 wrote: 40s have a decent amount of width to them, id go 6 bulb

Yea I really like the width of the tank so your right 6 bulb would be great.

 

[supra930]

Will 6 bulbs be to much for a 40 breeder? I think the depth is like 16" or 17"

 

[johniii]

You wouldn't have to worry about placement so much with only 16" of depth you could keep sps on the sand. I do have have lps and zoas at about 10" and they do ok. any higher and they seem not to like it. Just my experiences hope it helps.

 

[sonofdagon]

I have kept sps under a 6 bulb fixture for several years.

 

[dine]

With the width I say 6 bulb. Only thing you might want to do, depending on jest you want to keep, is raise it higher over the water.

I have the 6bulb aquatic life as well. Upgrade the bulbs when you get it. Big difference

 

[ripped tide]

Dine;762431 wrote: With the width I say 6 bulb. Only thing you might want to do, depending on jest you want to keep, is raise it higher over the water.

I have the 6bulb aquatic life as well. Upgrade the bulbs when you get it. Big difference

Great advice there. Most stock bulbs are junk. I like the wave point bulbs, which come stock in their fixtures, so I wouldn't trash those. If you go with a cheaper brand fixture, definitely look into new bulbs from day one.

When it comes to t5s, different brand bulbs preform much differently. Reflectors make a differance as well.

 

[dine]

My newer fixture came with aquatic life bulbs. Same thing..? I switched mine out to kz and Ati and couldn't be happier

 

[raz0945]

I went with the 6 bulbs on my 2-40g and a 4 bulb on my 30 and 29. I wish I had gone with the 6 bulb on all of them. You would be welcome to stop by and see them, just pm me. Holley

 

[supra930]

Thanks everyone for the great advice,it was very helpful. 6 bulb it is!!

 

[dsmithdbz]

i am almost tempted to order 6 T5 light hood for my 29 but David is dead set on more pricey LED for it since they dont require costly bulb changes...and i just ordered the overflow box and pump for my sump, getting ready to set up that 55 gallon...Jennifer