[NATIVEVAMAN]

If memory serves the 40 breeder is only 17.5 inch's deep so I would recomend you not get metal halide.You certainly wont need it for penetration.A 4x36x39 watt t-5 will be all you need.There is no reason to risk the heat problems that come with metal halide.You might have to put the metal halide as much as 20 inch's above the tank to prevent bleaching.

[jumpfreak26]

well nativeman, could i go with a 150w? i was told on other forums that with a 250w i could keep just about anything i wanted, and wouldnt have to be so picky about coral placement....... One of the members on that forum has i beleive 2 250w over his 33 gallon....remember i am also going to supplement with actinic t-5's.....so if you have any input it would be greatly appreciated!

[e_baer]

The t-5's with individual reflectors will be enough for you to keep any coral you want. Not only do the bulbs last almost 3-4x longer than MH, but they are also cheaper to run and they have a lot less heat output.

[mtfabel]

Im not a T5 expert as some others on this site are. But Im pretty sure you can use T5 VHO on just about anything up to about 24inches deep and still be ok. If this is incorrect I know who will correct me.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I cant imagine why anyone would want 15.5 watts per gallon.A tek lite 36x4x39 is all the light you need to grow anything you want in that tank.Your friend has nearly enough light for an 80 gallon tank.You do what you like but you are setting yourself up for an enormous expense in bulbs and electricity that could be avoided.Any 4 bulb t-5 set up with individual reflectors will be just what you need.

[jumpfreak26]

could i run a 150 with 2 T-5's? I reallywant MH, i have heard good things on coral health and color with MH.

[aquasalt]

Do you mind running a chiller?

[jumpfreak26]

Very much.

[aquasalt]

you might be able to get by with some fans if you're lucky. But I think the more important point is that more power does not necessarily mean better results in this case.

[jumpfreak26]

Right. Which is why i didnt go with 400w. Which leaves me with my question. Can i run a 150 or 175 instead?

[jumpfreak26]

WOOHOOO! My cycle is finished!!!! IM going to get a blue tang and a yellow tang and five nemos right now!...........not really. I need snails first. Tank is comeing along nice, the glass is littered with copepods and a few tiny shrimp.
Nitrates are at about 15ppm. Anyways, heres a pic, i re scaped it too, let me know if you like.

[Arnold40]

Tank looks great! I like the stand you built also. As far as the lighting concern...you will be better off with T-5 lighting due to all of the reasons already posted. BUT, if you wanted to go with MH you can. 150W is probably as high as you should go and then it should be above your tank quite a ways. You should also know that you will need a chiller. that 150W bulb is going to heat your tank! But this is your tank and you can do it anyway you like. Just as long as you are informed about the pros/cons. Shimmer is nice.....but it isn't worth all of that extra expense. Good luck making your decision.

[jumpfreak26]

Update!

SO i got my Koriala's in yesterday(#2 and #3) along with my AquaC Remora. I am loving the flow tht those powerheads put out! beats my little maxijet 250 by a landslide, the tanks seems that much more active now. Remora is working beautifully, i love it, its pulled out some nasty stuff. And i rescaped it a bit, im too indecisive, but i think this might work, may change it a little bit, dunno, but so far i like it. I should be getting 10 astreas today, maybe. well see. anyways, heres the pic, not the best tho, i was in a hurry



Enjoy!
~jump

[IceMan]

Originally Posted by e_baer

I like that overflow idea! Very creative!

lol that's what caught my eye too, i like that. easy to hide too!

[IceMan]

what livestock you planning on? decided yet?

[jumpfreak26]

2 true Clowns
3-4 PJ cardinals
1 yellow watchman goby (not sure which goby)
1 target mandarin(not for a while, but eventually)
1 Firefish

[IceMan]

Originally Posted by jumpfreak26

WOOHOOO! My cycle is finished!!!! IM going to get a blue tang and a yellow tang and five nemos right now!...........not really. I need snails first. Tank is comeing along nice, the glass is littered with copepods and a few tiny shrimp.
Nitrates are at about 15ppm. Anyways, heres a pic, i re scaped it too, let me know if you like.

they would be your amphipods, good deal!

[eldalote2]

tank looks great! keep us posted!

[jumpfreak26]

SO....i rescaped it again...........adn put the bubble tower in the sump. I also have a 250w MH coming in next week, well see how that works out, i was tempted to run just VHO, but i have heard things such as mediocre coral growth and health, but they do have their good side. on another tank ill try VHO, but for now, ill run combo. PICS







Sump

[plecosword]

Its looking really awesome!

[jumpfreak26]

SO the metal halide i bought came in yesterday, looks great, im glad i went with MH. For now i have it simply placed temporarily, were still working on the canopy. I also got a small little pink leather(pretty sure) thats the size of the top part of your pinkie. Heres some pics

[DEWAYNE]

The MH should light your tank up way more, once you get the canopy in place, just watch your temp. be sure to leave yourself an out for ventalation purpose. The tank is off to a good start, wish you well with your new hobby.

[jumpfreak26]

Thanks DEWAYNE. For now, with the light 2 inches above the tank, both heaters still turn on to keep the tank warm. I will also be leaving the whole back of the canopy open

[jumpfreak26]

Alrighty, you waited, so heres the pics!

green(i got 2, both of them starting to split, they have 2 mouths)


orange/blue


as you can tell i only have MINOR diatom outbreak lol :P

[jumpfreak26]

Update 5/3/08

So i just got a new fish today, a firefish. i was also going to get an orange diamond goby, but they dont have any till thursday, so it is probably better that I go one at a time. Anyways here the pic of the guy. he is doing well swimming around actively(he is great in front of the camera) and eating well.