Too much lighting?

[jgagel]

I have a 40 gallon AGA breeder tank, 36"x18"x18". I basically have couple of ledges across the top where I have acros, maybe 8 inches from the water surface. I am planning on getting 2-250w MHs (w/ actinic VHO supplement) because the length of the tank is relatively long and I don't think one will cover the ends sufficiently. Also, I thought about one 400w, but I think that would just burn up the middle of the tank. Please give me your thought and other recommendations.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
Two issues you need to consider: heat and electricity bill. I used to have 2X400W+2X96W over a 60 gal back then when I don't have to pay any electricity bill, and have a laboratory chiller running to keep things cool. Now I just don't have the resource to keep it that way.

2X250 will give you more even light distribution, but the initial cost (ballast) and the maintenance cost (bulb) will be higher than a single 400W.