Lighting recommendations 36" Nuvo 24

[Kabong]

You definitely need to go higher if your go with the hydra 26.
I had one on my 50 gal and it was probably at least 12" above the water surface.

If you do go with a LED light, be advised they do not have as much visible light spectrum as other types of lights.
So your tank may seem darker, but the corals will still be getting the light they need.