Lighting Question for 36 gallon reef

RedLion

RedLion

AC Members
Aug 25, 2009
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Houston, TX
:cool:Saltwater newbie here! I am not sure how much lighting or what kind of lighting to get. I have a 36 gallon corner tank, so a 24" long fixuture is probably max length. I know there are different kinds of coral out there and I don't want to get the minimum since I understand that limits your coral options. Any suggestions that don't cost a billion bucks?

Thanks
 
Corner tanks are notoriously hard to light because of the odd shape and the best option for them is really a MH light. A 150w/175w DE fixture would be ideal for that type of tank IMO.

2 different options (I would pick the first one myself):
Current USA Sunpod - 250w 14k - $342
Current USA SunDial HQI - 150w 10k + PC Actinics - $330

You could go "retro" and built a light yourself but it would probably come out to close to the same price. It is only when you start to build large light setups that DIY becomes much cheaper.
 
I would agree that a metal halide is likely the best option for full tank coverage due to the tank's shape. At the same time, it shouldn't limit your coral selection (especially a 250w). Depending on your style, there's several varieties of pendants you can hang above the tank if you don't want something that sits on top of it.
 
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