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View Full Version : Lighting for a 36" long 38 gallon tank?


ab420
01/20/2008, 04:37 PM
I have a 38 gallon freshwater tank, that I want to convert into a reef, but I'm trying to figure out what type of lighting will be best.

The tank is 36" long... I think I remembered reading halides are only good for 24" per 1 bulb, so would halides be a bad choice for a 36" tank?

What about T5's?

I'm pretty sure power compacts won't be able to penetrate well enough, since the tank is just under 20" tall, even with a 4" sand bed, that's still 16" of water to travel through to the bottom.

I will be keeping softies, zoas, palys, and some LPS.

What would you recommend? (type, wattage, # of bulbs, etc.)

Thanks a ton in advance!

dsn112
01/20/2008, 04:41 PM
Tek 4 or 6 bulb t5, I think the 4 bulb will be more than enough

This is the best deal out there because it comes with any 4 bulbs of your choice and they have everything.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/Sunlight_Supply/Tek_Light_Fixtures/36_inch__Tek_Light:_4-39W_T5_High-Output_Fixture_with_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

ab420
01/20/2008, 05:11 PM
Wow! That's all that's needed? I knew T5's were more efficient than power compacts, but that's just amazing!

Thanks a ton!