Hi, I'm looking into building my first scrubber in the next week or two for newest build, a 40 gallon breeder sps reef. I read for the best results to go straight for CFL lighting, rather than tinkering with more expensive LEDs, maybe in the future, but for now I want this to work, not be a work in progress.



First on home-depots web site looking at bulb options and I'm seeing CFL comes in different K ratings, 2700K, 5000K, and 6500K, with different watts. Is one K rating better than the rest? I would assume 6500K is best since its warm light similar to day light.

Next, based off AS calculator, I need 48 Watts lite on one side of a 8X6 48 sq inch screen. Or 14 watts light from both sides, based off this which way would you go? I have a over sized DIY stand so space is not a concern. I imagine going with 1 side for now, leaving space for lighting the second side should I add more fish, and increase feedings. I'm looking at purchasing a clamp on fixture and running the light off a timer. My concern with going on one side verse two overall is light spill / spread, would I be able to get proper coverage on a 8X6 with one fixture?

Last, just starting this out, would I want to run the scrubber from day one? I'm going to be cycling with dry rock,kick started with a small amount of fish food, the rock itself tends to have some die off, and does release phosphates.

Thanks for helping me out!