Lighting Fixture Size

[NL146]

I have a 46G Bow Front Aquarium that is 3ft wide. Do I actually need a 36" wide light fixture, or would a shorter fixture do (say 24")?

 

[mr_X]

you should purchase a 36" fixture.

 

[Will C]

You have to consider what would fit if you intend to have the light somehow resting on the tank. A 36" fixture will probably have some of the fixture extend beyond the edges of the tank (it is pie shaped). If you hang the light from the ceiling you should also consider the 'spread' of the light and the par value lost by having the light a distance from the water. I had a 24" mh fixture on my 54 corner (bow front) and had no problem w/ sps. Focus on intensity as well as physical size of the light.
Good Luck

 

[NL146]

Will C, what was the widest point on your tank? I was at my LFS yesterday and they said they use a shorter fixture (MH) when they want to put corals that need less intense light at the sides.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

What is your final goal on livestock to keep?

 

[Awibrandy]

What is your final goal on livestock to keep?

DITTO​

As well as do you plan to sit the fixture on the tank, hang it from the ceiling or some sort of apparatus!
So many different scenerios.lol​