Four Bulb T5HO Fixture enough for a mixed 40B?

[TMF89]

I'm starting up a 40B (36x18x16) reef. I want to be able to have the ability to put pretty much any kind of coral in there without worrying about lighting. Will a four bulb 36" fixture provide enough light? Thanks guys!

[cerolost]

Which one are you looking at?

[bdevillier]

i would think that a 6 bulb fixture would be best due to more front to back coverage. 4 bulb will probably light 18" but you might not have the par you want.

[rtparty]

Totally depends on the system. A cheap, low end system will struggle but a good, high end system will be fine.

Front to back coverage will be your issue with only four bulbs.

[TMF89]

Well I'm not sure, hopefully I'll find one used. But if not, one of the cheaper entry-level brands.

[rtparty]

You will want a six bulb in that case and plan to change out the bulbs. I was just setting up a 40 breeder and was going to use a 6*24 ATI sunpower but plans changed.

[TMF89]

What about going with a four bulb and a two bulb fixture? Some of the cheaper fixtures could still be cost efficient with new bulbs if I went that route. Also since there will be a glass top (hoping for a Snowflake Eel), I'll be able to remove the two bulb fixture when I'm doing feeding/maintanence and leave the four bulb fixture on, whereas with the six bulb I'd have to remove the entire light source. What do you guys think? I know it won't be the prettiest having two fixtures, but I think it would work. Ideas?


Edit:
Otherwise I just spotted this guy here.

http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Light-6x39w-Actinic-Fixture/product-reviews/B006O2BNXQ/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

If I go the two fixture route it'll be some fixtures off Aquatrader or something similar to that guy.