question about lighting a 40 breeder

I use the aquatic life 36 inch T5 it works fine and it fits nicely.

I'm running 156 watts over a 40B high tech. No algae issues to speak of. But you need to get the ferts, Co2, and light balanced. That takes a while to adjust.

BruceF said:

I use the aquatic life 36 inch T5 it works fine and it fits nicely.

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+1 ...this is the same light I have on my planted 40B...no algae at all

yuppp I ordered this light today the aquaticlife 78 watt fixture.

Blackheart said:

My current lighting setup is a 30 inch T5 over my 40 breeder (the bulbs are actually 24 inch though and 54 watts altogether), and it seems to be doing just fine. I have no algae problems.

Now every 36 inch T5 fixture I come across it seems it's like 80 watts altogether. Doesn't that seem to be a big excessive? Wouldn't that cause algae problems?

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depends on what you want to grow. if you are only going to grow low light plants, then stick with what you have. if you are looking to branch out a little but and try other things then go to the 36.

one of the benefits of moving to a 36 is better light coverage. right now you have a 36in long tank covered by a 30 inch fixture with 24in bulbs. that is leaving 6inches on either side of the light uncovered, and creating dark spots, personally that would drive me crazy.

just because you go to a stronger light does mean you will grow algae, not that algae is a bad thing.

so really the big question to answer is what is your plan with the tank?

Consider a small LED makes a big difference in lighting quality , I use a 30 inch lED with my T5


Regards,
Aquaticz