reef lighting

[wooz29]

I am looking at purchasing lights for my tank and wanted some comments. My tank is 36x18x16 & I am looking at a T5 fixture with 4x39 bulbs (156watts) My tank is going to be a softie combo LPS, is this lighting sufficient?

 

[papagimp]

Sounds fine to me but if you can squeeze another bulb or two, even better. Keep LPS up higher than the softies, but theer adaptable to an extent.

 

[luke33]

The 6 x 39 fixture should fit on your 18" tank. I'd go for that, you'll have better bulb options that way.

 

[papagimp]

fwiw, I have a 55g (48 x 18 x 13) or something around that size. And I'm using 6 x 54watts HO T5's. Sps, clams, misc LPS, shrooms and zoo's. It's a nice variety. The shrooms don't like the higher lighting, but everything else, softies included love it.

 

[bill37]

I Would go with 54 watt if you can, just in case you to start keeping SPS's or clams.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

4 should be plenty as long as they are good T5's with individual reflectors. i have 4 - 39 watt T5's with slr reflectors over my 46, and i have softies, LPS, and SPS in the tank and do really well.