Question on lights for 40b

mntbiker2008 · Aug 27, 2018

I am in the planning stages of my next tank. I have decided to go with a 40b mixed reef. Will more than likely go with softies first and work my way up as I gain more experience.

For lighting, I am looking at the sbreef lights but not quite sure which size I should go with. I'm leaning more towards the 32" but if I would only need to get the 16", I could do the extreme wifi model. Not looking to spend a ton of money on the lights but don't exactly want junk either.

My last question is: can these lights be placed in a canopy? I am wanting to make a canopy to hide the lights and everything on top of the tank. I would definitely have vents on top and likely the back. Would it be a good idea to somehow mount a fan in one of the vents? Just worried about heat being trapped in there.

Thank you in advanced!

ndrwater · Aug 27, 2018

@saltyfilmfolks

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 27, 2018

I have 4 SBreeflights. No problems. The ramping model is just over two years.
I have 3 16 mounted on TOP of a 48in canopy. The canopy is 9in tall I actually run diffusion in them.
The heat produced there you can feel but the tank is pretty regular and runs cool in the San Diego “winter”

A single 32 should mount as high as possible. 14-18 inches just the get great spread and fill the ends in a 48w tank.
On a 36 like you’rs it’s perfect at about 12. Same for two16s. You may want to go higher depending on your aqua scape, as you have a larger front to back.
Personally I wish they made the ramping model still. I dont aw the need for WiFi really. I didn’t change settings for a year and only twice since then.

Benga · Aug 27, 2018

saltyfilmfolks said:
I have 4 SBreeflights. No problems. The ramping model is just over two years.
I have 3 16 mounted on TOP of a 48in canopy. The canopy is 9in tall I actually run diffusion in them.
The heat produced there you can feel but the tank is pretty regular and runs cool in the San Diego “winter”

A single 32 should mount as high as possible. 14-18 inches just the get great spread and fill the ends in a 48w tank.
On a 36 like you’rs it’s perfect at about 12. Same for two16s. You may want to go higher depending on your aqua scape, as you have a larger front to back.
Personally I wish they made the ramping model still. I dont aw the need for WiFi really. I didn’t change settings for a year and only twice since then.

You have a picture by chance?

saltyfilmfolks · Aug 28, 2018

A few.

Gareth elliott · Aug 28, 2018

I dont use these lights but pretty much any light can be placed in a canopy.

Not mine, i dont have one but shows how simple it is to hang leds inside of one.

Benga · Aug 28, 2018

saltyfilmfolks said:
A few.

Holy crap is that a 40b? it's so full of life you make mine look like a tank of just water.....

mntbiker2008 · Aug 28, 2018

Awesome thank you! I'm curious about the wifi models. Is it REALLY that great to have or is it going to be something I might use every so often and not really necessary? Pros/cons about having wifi lights?