Lighting my 40 breeder - specific light advice

[mdpitts]

Hi Folks,

I really need advice. I'm frustrated and have no one to help besides this forum.

I've been failing with my lights on my 40b (36x18x16). Currently I have (2) 36" Current Orbit Marine LED bars that sit on the rim of the tank. They are a pain in the butt. I can't stand the app that could be so much better, they are rusting and the controller they sold me that would control both lights has failed in all aspects. I had to give away some montipora frags that were dwindling away. I'm on a serious budget but I know that lighting is the most important thing to get right after water stability.

I am wanting to get ONE light and have it hung over the tank where it doesn't get in the way when I do water changes etc. but I could do two lights if it fits my $800 total budget

I'm looking at the new Orphek Natura or maybe a Reef Breeders Photon V2. My budget is $800 max. I don't want to be limited to sticking to low light. I like montipora, digitata and birdsnest but worried the Orbit Marine lights won't do much for them.

I'd love to hear suggestions.

 

[lbacha]

I have Orphek OR bars 1 x 36" reef day and 2 x 24" (UV and Reef Blue) over my 40 breeder and they can be hung high as they are designed with lower angle lenses. You have flexibility to add more lights as well if you want more par for higher light loving SPS (I find 150-200 par is plenty for most easier SPS). You can look into an OSIX with 3-4 bars to start and then add up to 6 bars as needed. They even sell a nice mounting kit for them.

Now that they are coming out with the OR4 bars you may be able to find the OR3's on sale. Another option is look for an Icon Atlantik it will be more than enough light and can be hung 16-18" above the tank

 

[VintageReefer]

I used a photon 32 over a 40b and it worked great. Excellent spectrum and coverage. It’s a par monster if you need it to be, but you can also run it lower if you want. A lot of capability with a photon

I currently use a photon 48v2 over my 75g

Both size tanks / lights - end to end coverage + front to back

I would highly recommend the 32 for a 40b

Bonus - comes with both a hanging kit + mounting legs. And has attachment points for led bars if you ever decide you want to add them down the line

 

[mdpitts]

I have Orphek OR bars 1 x 36" reef day and 2 x 24" (UV and Reef Blue) over my 40 breeder and they can be hung high as they are designed with lower angle lenses. You have flexibility to add more lights as well if you want more par for higher light loving SPS (I find 150-200 par is plenty for most easier SPS). You can look into an OSIX with 3-4 bars to start and then add up to 6 bars as needed. They even sell a nice mounting kit for them.

Now that they are coming out with the OR4 bars you may be able to find the OR3's on sale. Another option is look for an Icon Atlantik it will be more than enough light and can be hung 16-18" above the tank

Oh cool! I didn't consider other lights by Orphek. I got hung up on the new release aspect. Thanks, I'll check those out.

 

[mdpitts]

I used a photon 32 over a 40b and it worked great. Excellent spectrum and coverage. It’s a par monster if you need it to be, but you can also run it lower if you want. A lot of capability with a photon

I currently use a photon 48v2 over my 75g

Both size tanks / lights - end to end coverage + front to back

I would highly recommend the 32 for a 40b

Bonus - comes with both a hanging kit + mounting legs. And has attachment points for led bars if you ever decide you want to add them down the line

That's exactly what I need to hear. I saw a tank on a local reef forum and loved the light and was told it was reef breeders. I love the idea that you can add to it and you have mounting options included. Thank you!!

 

[VintageReefer]

The new reef breeders Meridian 24 will cover a tank 36x24 and is 700…

Meridian Pre-Order

Pre-Orders Estimated to Ship December 2024. Discover the next generation of aquarium lighting with the Meridian LED Light System. Engineered for efficiency, functionality, and aesthetic elegance, the Meridian promises an unparalleled lighting experience. Features: Versatile Sizes: Whether you...

shop.reefbreeders.com

And looks really promising with those light bars that could be added down the line

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

2 words: metal hallide. That’s what I put on my 40b. Then I got a pair of orpheks for evening blue.

 

[VintageReefer]

That's exactly what I need to hear. I saw a tank on a local reef forum and loved the light and was told it was reef breeders. I love the idea that you can add to it and you have mounting options included. Thank you!!

I posted the Meridian as a choice also but i have not used it. They claim the 24” can now cover a 36” tank but we don’t have end user results yet

I can promise you though that photon is a great light and expandable with the reefbreeders lumen bars, but I have not found a need to add them.

Check out my tank thread. I have tons of pics with the photon. Start at the last page and work backwards

 

[dedragon]

The meridian edge might actually fit the size of this tank better. 2x 35inch should cover the tank but im not sure what mounting options (hoping bot mount v2 works with it) they will have and like the regular meridians no one has used them yet. I wouldnt buy the photons yet as they will probably discount them a lot for black friday/upon release of the meridian.
Honestly i wouldnt buy any light until black friday right now unless it is something like the meridian preorder as everything will start being discounted in the next few weeks

 

[mdpitts]

The meridian edge might actually fit the size of this tank better. 2x 35inch should cover the tank but im not sure what mounting options (hoping bot mount v2 works with it) they will have and like the regular meridians no one has used them yet. I wouldnt buy the photons yet as they will probably discount them a lot for black friday/upon release of the meridian.
Honestly i wouldnt buy any light until black friday right now unless it is something like the meridian preorder as everything will start being discounted in the next few weeks

This is great advice. I didn't even think to wait for Black Friday. Heck yeah - gives me more time to save.

 

[mdpitts]

I posted the Meridian as a choice also but i have not used it. They claim the 24” can now cover a 36” tank but we don’t have end user results yet

I can promise you though that photon is a great light and expandable with the reefbreeders lumen bars, but I have not found a need to add them.

Check out my tank thread. I have tons of pics with the photon. Start at the last page and work backwards

Cool. I'm heading to check out your tank and look at the Meridian.

 

[mdpitts]

2 words: metal hallide. That’s what I put on my 40b. Then I got a pair of orpheks for evening blue.

That's an idea I didn't consider.

 

[VintageReefer]

The meridian edge might actually fit the size of this tank better. 2x 35inch should cover the tank but im not sure what mounting options (hoping bot mount v2 works with it) they will have and like the regular meridians no one has used them yet. I wouldnt buy the photons yet as they will probably discount them a lot for black friday/upon release of the meridian.
Honestly i wouldnt buy any light until black friday right now unless it is something like the meridian preorder as everything will start being discounted in the next few weeks

Battle corals is using the meridians and had high remarks for them

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

That's an idea I didn't consider.

All the cables are retractable. The MH pendant will come under your budget and will grow anything you want and never have to think about par, the orpheks are bonus.

 

[vlangel]

I have a ReefBreeder Photon V-24 and love it. Hanging it above the tank looks clean and I don't have to move it to work in the tank. It works well for macroalgae, softies and LPS.

 

[VintageReefer]

Bonus - photon doubles as a shelf for your stuff!

Corals love it

 

[mdpitts]

Bonus - photon doubles as a shelf for your stuff!

Corals love it

I’d love to feed the corals in your tank . They are SO happy looking. I never would’ve guessed a year ago that watching corals and feeding them would be the best thing I’m doing in my life. I love that the mounts for the light are high. I put food and my tongs on top of my lights too. It’s just too handy.

 

[mdpitts]

I have a ReefBreeder Photon V-24 and love it. Hanging it above the tank looks clean and I don't have to move it to work in the tank. It works well for macroalgae, softies and LPS.

Wow. Your tanks are pretty. They remind me of a flower arrangement.

 

[VintageReefer]

I’d love to feed the corals in your tank . They are SO happy looking. I never would’ve guessed a year ago that watching corals and feeding them would be the best thing I’m doing in my life. I love that the mounts for the light are high. I put food and my tongs on top of my lights too. It’s just too handy.

Imagine feeding these

So satisfying ! This is just a handful of the ones that need to be fed. I can get them all in 10 min. Sometimes they want a second round and it takes a little longer. Very relaxing for me and takes stress away

 

[vlangel]

Wow. Your tanks are pretty. They remind me of a flower arrangement.

Thank you mdpitts! The pic you "liked" is when I still had T5s. My tank is 30" across and unfortunately I couldn't find bulbs for it any longer. That is why I bought the ReefBreeder Photon. LED lighting intimidated me but now I am really happy that I had to change. Here is a pic that I took yesterday

of my tank.