40b lighting

[Bldgengineer]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I last posted. Unfortunately, the past 3 years have been pretty devastating. Without going into details, I'm starting over from complete scratch with a 40b. I have been reading the black box study the past few days. I was loving thread but pretty disappointed with how it abruptly ended. Anyway, I'm considering either the noopsyche or viparspectra lights. I'm certain I would need 2 noopsyche fixtures for a 40b but does anyone have any thoughts or results on a 300w version viparspectra? What about 2 165w fixtures? I feel like that might be too much for a 40b.

My plans are for a mix of softies ls and very few spa. I will be going bigger eventually and turning this tank into a frag tank

 

[Crabs McJones]

I had a 300 watt fixture over my 40 b many years ago, worked great. At the time I didn't have access to a par meter so I wasn't sure where to have my levels and I wasn't a member here so I didnt have the resources. But that light will cover that 40b and you'll be able to grow whatever you want in it.

 

[lilgrounchuck]

FWIW I have a 300w mars aqua (not one you’re looking at, but still a bb light) over my 50, which is basically the same footprint just a bit taller and the corals started growing much faster. I started with a current orbit marine.

 

[biggie4jets]

I have 2 AI primes on my 40B

 

[Hemmdog]

I use two 360we’s on mine. 2 nooopsyches might be great on a 40b since it’s pretty shallow.

 

[Bldgengineer]

Thanks a lot guys! I appreciate everyone's input!

 

[DesertReefT4r]

2 AI Prime 16HDs will be good and have good spread on a 36" tank. 300w Viparspectra is a bit overkill as you will never need to use it at full power. Noopsyche are better than a BB but you would need 2 or the ends of the will be shaded.