[bri74]

hey Ive read through some lighting posts here and cant seem to get what im looking for. I have a 40 gal with fish no coral yet. want to get a versatile all around light. My fixture only has one bulb in it now and i cant tell what watt it is cause its burnt off. so any recommendation's? I would like to put some corals in there eventually

[blind1993]

can u show us a pic of the bulb and fixture.

[glampka]

Bri,
Depending on the type of corals you want to keep, your single bulb fixture won't cut it. You'll need to get yourself at least 160 watts of lighting minimum depending on how deep your tank is. Now with that said you have 3 choices:
1. Compact fluorescent (aka PC) 2. T-5 or 3. MH
If you plan on things like mushrooms, zoas, etc you'll be fine with PC. If you want the full range of corals then T-5 or MH are the way to go.

[bri74]

here is the fixture i found out the rest its a 20w sunglo.

[bri74]

my tank is 18 inches deep 2.5 inches LS

[blind1993]

that looks like a regular fluorescent bulb. u should go with t5.

[bri74]

ok will the t5 go in my fixture?

[blind1993]

no u will need a totaly diff one.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

https://diyreef.authsecure.com/shop/...ff00dacd6974c5 I am going to take a guess that your tank is 36 inch's long and recomend a 4 bulb t 5 unit from tek lite.Its a retro that requires you use a screwdriver. With this unit you can be up and running a few hours for around 280$'s but you will have to come up with some kind of canopy.With your 18 inch depth you should be able to keep any critter you desire.If you arnt the handy man type you can buy a prebuilt unit for about nthe same money or a little more. But the reflectors wont be as good so you wont get as much lite in the tank.

[Tonz of fun]

36 inch Current USA Nova Extreme 4x39W T5HO with 3 Lunar Lights (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Lighting )

This light is my vote