Lighting

[AJ_77]

Glad to help, although there are a variety of opinions here. It will be a trick to cover a 36" spread, as most MH reflectors (including the DE mentioned above) are designed to cover a 24"x24" area. There are some nice parallel reflectors that will hold 2 mogul bulbs and 2 fluorescent actinic tubes as well. You would need to mount the kit inside a canopy.

Another option is to buy a MH/FL or MH/PC hood complete and hang it above the tank. With your depth and size you could run 175's and keep most corals and anemones, or go for 250's and never worry about upgrading. (A note regarding anemones: please don't consider more than one, and only after the tank is well-aged and stable.)

As Brad says, your long-term plans affect this decision as much as the immediate goals. It is difficult to see what will grab your interest once you're bored with softies...